GETTING PREPARED FOR THE SOLAR ECLIPSE

From Lake County Sheriff Fran Leonbruno

PRESS RELEASE
MARCH 26, 2024
Safety and Security Advisement for the Solar Eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024 here in Lake County

     By now, all of you have heard that on Monday, April 8, 2024, there will be a total solar eclipse that will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada.  Lake County is in the path of totality.  This means that people in this path will be the only ones able to see all stages of the total eclipse. Not only will you be able to see the eclipse, because of the total darkness it is possible to see with the naked eye some of our planets and some very large stars with a clear sky. The eclipse line of totality will pass Lake county about 1-2 miles off the shore of Lake County.

     We have been in touch with our law enforcement partners in other States who have experienced the total eclipse and they have shared with us the problems they encountered and what we should plan for in our area.  Because of what we have mentioned above, we are encouraging people to make plans ahead of time regarding:

• TRAVEL:  It is estimated on the day of the eclipse it is possible for our County population to double.  If this occurs, there will be a significant increase of vehicles on the road.  Major roadways (Rt 2, I-90, Rt 44, Lakeshore Blvd. etc.) will have many vehicles that will back up traffic.  People will also use side streets to try and avoid traffic congestion causing them to be clogged as well.  Once the eclipse ends about 4pm, we expect large traffic patterns leaving the shores of Lake Erie.

  Due to the anticipated significant traffic congestion, most schools will be closed due to problems with bussing.  Courts here in Lake County will be closed because many jurors will have significant problems getting to and from court.

  If you do not have to travel on April 8^th across the County, don’t.  You can avoid traffic headaches by just not traveling.  BUT if you must travel, give yourself more than enough extra time because you should plan on significant delays.

• MEALS:  Due to the traffic congestion we have stated above, make sure you make your store trips for groceries ahead of time, so you don’t have to travel on April 8^th.  The Council of Aging, as an example, has made plans for meal delivery before April 8^th so no one who depends on them will miss their meals.  Reschedule doctor’s appointments if possible so you can go at a more convenient time.
   
• ACTIVITIES:  Many places across Lake County are planning events. Enjoy them.  But plan on delays in travel and lots of people everywhere.  If you expect significant delays it will lower your blood pressure when they occur.

  We would be remiss not to mention, there is always a risk of people who want to make problems during large gatherings.  Keep an eye out for anything or person out of the ordinary.  If you see something, say something.  The Lake County Sheriff’s Office, as well as all police and fire departments in Lake County, have been planning for the eclipse event for the past year.  We will be out with extra Deputies and patrol cars.  Let them know of any concern you have.

• EXPECT DELAYS IN RESPONSE:  In congested traffic, police and fire have difficulties getting through large backups.  If you need police or fire response expect some possible delay.  As well, if our population doubles as expected, there will be increased calls for service and police and fire maybe tied up on calls.  Minor issues will not be a priority in such cases and your call for service may not be able to be addressed until the next day.

     Much of the eclipse event will depend on weather.  We live in northeast Ohio where whether changes on a dime.  However, come rain or shine we still expect many people to be here from outside Lake County not only on the 8^th but in the days preceding the event as well.  We are making everyone aware of the possibilities, so Lake County stays safe and secure during what we expect to be a very busy Total Eclipse.

Sheriff Frank Leonbruno