WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) – With the total solar eclipse less than 2 weeks away, Albany is out with safety tips as thousands are expected to travel to areas like the north country to see the event.
“Prepared, patient, protected. We’re going to keep saying prepared, patient, protected,” said Kathryn Garcia, director of State Operations.
Patience was preached at this week’s update from Albany about the April 8 total solar eclipse.
“Only park in designated areas. We have to be able to get emergency vehicles through, particularly in the North Country, those two-lane roads. We need to make sure that you’re not parked on the shoulder,” said Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray.
That is just one of the many tips provided by the state’s task force, which is made up of more than 20 agencies. Another is if you don’t have to travel on April 8, don’t.
“If you already live there, you’re one of the lucky ones. However, if you are planning on traveling to one of these locations, we cannot stress enough, leave lots of time,” said Garcia.
With so many people expected, there are worries about cell phone coverage.
“It is possible that cell phones get a bit overloaded. If that happens, remember 911 will continue to work,” said Bray.
One thing the state is stressing is for employers to let their workers work from home if they can, and for school districts to make plans to keep buses off the roads.
“So the state has made the decision that for our employees that can work from home, they should work from home that day. We are leaving it to the local school districts to make a determination, but they need to have a plan of how they were going to move those kids around. And we are encouraging them where they can to keep their kids home or have a remote day,” said Garcia.
State police are telling drivers to fill up their tanks before the eclipse. There may not be enough gas or gas stations to accommodate the potential crowds on April 8.