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Be safe during #Eclipse2017

Be prepared for crowds, lines and traffic

SALT LAKE CITY — Monday’s total solar eclipse in Idaho and Wyoming is historically close to Utah and many are expected to hit the roads in droves to witness the hidden sun and see stars in the daytime.

The Utah Division of Emergency Management urges Utahns traveling to the areas within the eclipse’s path of totality to expect crowds, lines and traffic. Be prepared and be patient. Here are some tips that will help Utahns make the best decisions so they are ready to be self-reliant very crowded areas. Our Be Ready Utah program can also help.

  • Have snacks, water, first aid supplies on hand
  • Have an emergency kit and an emergency plan. Make sure family members back home know your schedule, when you are expected to return and your plan if something happens.
  • Have a full tank of gas prior to going and coming home.
  • Stock up like you’re preparing for a snow day. Stock up on gas, food and supplies.
  • Follow the guidance of local public safety officials.
  • Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination throughout the weekend. Traffic will be heavy with large crowds going to and from events all weekend.
  • Be prepared for cell service overloads. There may be service disruptions due to the increase in visitors using networks.

Useful links:

Clark Planetarium info about safely viewing the eclipse
Travel information from Idaho Transportation Department
UDOT blog post about eclipse travel
Watch the eclipse live on NASA’s website

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The Utah Division of Emergency Management (dem.utah.gov) is the State’s lead agency for coordinating state resources in a disaster. Utah DEM also conducts emergency preparedness efforts before a disaster through its Be Ready Utah program (BeReadyUtah.gov). Be Ready Utah aims to help families, businesses, schools and communities get ready for disaster. CERT belongs to the Be Ready Utah communities initiative.

Wade Mathews is the public information officer for the Utah Division of Emergency Management
wmathews@utah.gov

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