Total solar eclipse event plan coming together in Holmes

Daylight turns to darkness 365 days a year, 366 in this leap year, but the sun will go dark in a most unusual way on April 8 when much of Holmes County will experience the total eclipse event in the middle of the afternoon.

The Holmes County 2024 Total Solar Eclipse Committee met recently to discuss the ongoing effort to assure everyone in the county stays safe during what should be an interesting afternoon.

The purpose of the committee is to summarize the Holmes County emergency preparedness and emergency coordination efforts for the total solar eclipse event occurring in Holmes County.

This plan includes information exchanges and coordinated incident responses required to support and secure community lifelines and/or critical infrastructure that might be impacted during the eclipse event.

The Holmes County 2024 total solar eclipse event plan is categorized by the Holmes County Emergency Management Agency as a special event plan to supplement the Holmes County emergency operations plan authorized by the Holmes County commissioners. This plan describes unique circumstances and coordination structures that go beyond what is stated in the Holmes County EOP and annexes.

“The plan was created to support safety within eclipse-viewing areas by encouraging partners to prepare in advance for potential emergency situations, by making county emergency support resources available when possible and by documenting actions of partner agencies for situational awareness,” said Jason Troyer, Holmes County EMA director.

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon is totally obscured by the sun, with the moon’s shadow being cast onto the earth’s surface as it passes between the earth and the sun. On April 8 portions of North America will experience a total solar eclipse. Only 15 total eclipses have been visible in the U.S. since 1867. This total solar eclipse will be the first eclipse to enter Ohio since 1806 with the next one in 2444.

According to Troyer, total totality areas in Holmes County will include Nashville, Big Prairie, Lakeville and Holmesville, with the rest of the county in partial totality.

“All of Ohio’s 88 counties will be impacted by spectators traveling throughout the state, regardless of the eclipse experience in a county,” Troyer said.

Troyer said the eclipse will present Holmes County with unique challenges. Because Ohio is within a one-day drive from 70% of the country’s population, the state will be a target destination for people from around the country and from around the world who want to view a total solar eclipse.

“It is expected that on the day of the eclipse, the local population in centerline communities could triple or quadruple and other communities outside of the centerline could double,” Troyer said.

The expected population increases occurring before, the day of and on the day after the eclipse could result in increased demands and stresses on local infrastructure including hotels, campsites, food, water, restaurants, utilities, law enforcement, fire services, medical facilities, entertainment facilities and parks. It is estimated the county could triple with travelers inundating the area to view the eclipse.

With a good portion of Holmes County experiencing a total eclipse, Troyer said it is necessary to be prepared for high-traffic areas and bystanders pulling vehicles off the side of byways to view the occurrence.

“Traffic management will be one of the largest impacts,” Troyer said. “A majority of the totality area is located in counties with very little freeway or interstate infrastructure.”

In addition to the safety issues, especially should a disaster strike within the county that would require county fire or EMS teams to roll out, Troyer said one important factor in viewing this anomaly is preparing by making sure proper eyewear is worn to view the eclipse.

“Ordering viewing glasses and any other eclipse-related merchandise should be done well in advance of April,” Troyer said.

The committee also discussed effective communication procedures, along with local mutual aid within the area that may be unavailable as resources are committed to numerous local events simultaneously.

“Traffic impact throughout the affected areas will increase as the totality approaches and then again as visitors depart the area,” Troyer said. “Large viewing crowds will necessitate traffic controls and patrolling of major roadways that will impact local communities and commerce. Proper prevention and preparedness programs such as public awareness of safe viewing methods will prevent or reduce eclipse-related injuries.”

One other change from the norm during the event will be the closing of some schools in the path of totality. Bus schedules must be monitored and observed, and both East and West Holmes schools have already canceled school that day due to travel risks.

“The most important thing is that we are prepared for anything that might take place during the totality and both prior to and after the eclipse,” Troyer said. “We would rather be prepared for anything rather than leave anything happening to chance.”