Brought to you by Pike County Health Department, Home Health and Hospice For the first time in 148 years (August 7, 1869) a total solar eclipse will come to Missouri on August 21, 2017. A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and earth and completely blocks the sun, and the moon casts a shadow over the earth. The 1869 eclipse only clipped the northeast corner of our state. The upcoming eclipse promises to be even better as the center of the path will follow a diagonal line crossing Missouri from Buchanan County in the northwest to Perry County in the southeast. Depending upon where you are in the state, the eclipse will begin between 11:30 a.m. and noon until between 2:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Millions of people will be outside on August 21st to watch the eclipse which is one of nature’s grandest spectacles. Looking directly at the sun is unsafe except during the brief phase of the solar eclipse, known as totality. The only safe way to look directly at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun is through special-purpose solar filters, such as eclipse glasses or hand held solar viewers. These may be purchased at Walmart, Amazon, eBay and several other vendors listed on-line. Missouri will offer some of the best vantage points in the nation for witnessing this historic event, and many Missouri communities are planning festivals and other events for residents and visitors alike to take advantage of the fact that many Show-Me-State communities are directly in the “path of totality”, meaning the areas will experience the longest period of darkness on that Monday afternoon.
According to some estimates, hundreds of thousands of additional visitors could be in the Show-MeState to catch a glimpse of the eclipse, which will last approximately 90 minutes. This will coincide with summer vacations and the closing weekend of the Missouri State Fair. For this reason, the State Emergency Management Agency, other Department of Public Safety agencies and state and local partners began planning for the eclipse in the spring. August in Missouri can mean extreme heat or severe weather. Keeping traffic moving smoothly and ensuring reliable communications are also key considerations. As a precaution, the state plans to activate the State Emergency Operations Center in the days leading up to the eclipse. This will allow for immediate state response and coordination if the need arises.
Here are some safety tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone:
• Plan in advance, book ahead, and avoid travel during peak times.
• Check your route, allow extra time and have alternate routes just in case, be patient and check MODOT’s Traveler Info Map (http://traveler.modot.org/map/).
• Gas up.
• Don’t wear “eclipse glasses” when driving.
• Don’t stop along interstates or roads or park on the shoulder. Exit the road and find a safe place to stop to watch or photograph the eclipse.
• Prepare for congestion, watch out for extra pedestrians and cyclists.
• Keep your cell phone charged and know how to call for help. On the highway you can reach the Missouri State Highway Patrol at *55. In other locations dial 911.
• Have an emergency kit and plan. Include water, flashlights, batteries, sunscreen, insect repellent, prescription medications, food and a First Aid Kit.
• Have games, books and videos to keep children occupied and be patient since you may encounter traffic and crowds.
• To avoid heat-related illness, stay cool and stay hydrated.
Share your experience of the 2017 solar eclipse: https://www.mo.gov./eclipse/ #MoEclipse. For more information on the eclipse visit https://greatamericaneclipse.com/ and http://missourieclipse2017com/index.php.
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