Governor Shapiro Offers Safety Tips and Resources for Pennsylvania Residents Ahead of Solar Eclipse
Governor Josh Shapiro’s administration recently released important safety tips and resources for Pennsylvania residents in anticipation of the upcoming solar eclipse. With nearly 435,000 Pennsylvanians living in the path of totality for the eclipse, residents in Crawford, Erie, Mercer, and Warren counties will be the most impacted.
Scheduled to take place on Monday, April 8, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., the solar eclipse has prompted multiple Pennsylvania departments to begin preparations. PennDOT, PEMA, PSP, PTC, and DCNR are all playing a role in ensuring the safety and well-being of residents during this unique event.
Specific measures being taken include keeping all lanes of traffic open to Erie on I-79, adding maintenance personnel in case of emergencies, removing disabled vehicles from interstates, and posting troopers at each exit. PennDOT has even developed an event-specific 511PA page offering various routes for drivers to utilize during the eclipse.
Safety tips for driving during the eclipse include planning ahead, exiting the highway to view, turning on headlights, and avoiding distractions. Popular locations in Erie to watch the eclipse include Presque Isle State Park and Erie Bluffs State Park. Viewers are advised to come prepared with solar-safe glasses, water, snacks, appropriate clothing, sunscreen, and bug repellent.
PEMA Director Randy Padfield recommends minimizing unnecessary travel and preparing for routine errands before April 8. Residents can stay updated on traffic updates during the eclipse through PennDOT news updates on ‘X’ and the department’s regional Facebook group, as well as through abc27 news.
With these safety tips and resources in mind, Pennsylvania residents can enjoy the solar eclipse while ensuring their own safety and the safety of those around them.
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