Locals advised to begin preparations now for eclipse

Back to News
Eclipsenews

With Kerr County being in the “path of totality” making it a prime viewing area for the upcoming total solar eclipse, local leaders are anticipating the population for that event to swell to two or three times for the weekend leading up to and during the eclipse on Monday, April 8. As such, there are a few things residents are being encouraged to do in preparation starting now, so that they are not inconvenienced if local food and fuel sources run low or out.

An ad hoc planning and emergency management committee has been meeting for two years in preparation for this celestial event, which is expected to bring viewers from around the world. The committee was tasked with planning for the event, as well as to report findings, conclusions and proposals in an advisory capacity for local governing bodies.

At the top of the committee’s list has always been to ensure public health and safety.

Kerr County Emergency Management Coordinator William B. “Dub” Thomas served on that committee, as did Kerr County Commissioner (Pct. 2) Rich Paces in a county liaison capacity.

“With the influx of that many visitors, it is a certainty that we’re going to face challenges,” Thomas said. “But, our local residents can do a lot now to make their experience of this once-in-a-lifetime event positive.”

Some things the committee advises residents consider and take care of in advance are:

  • Appointments and medications: Locals are urged to complete routine errands and any appointments well in advance of the weekend and eclipse Monday (April 5-8). Check medications now to ensure there will be plenty available on hand, as the influx of people may cause delays in supplies.

  • Local businesses: Be sure to check with local businesses and service establishments to determine their hours of operation. Kerr County, Texas, will have its courthouse and annex closed on Monday, April 8. In fact, many businesses will be closed on eclipse day, or they will have modified hours. Lines are expected to be longer than usual for establishments that remain open, especially those in the hospitality industry.

  • Groceries and other goods: Getting enough groceries and supplies to last through the eclipse is recommended now. While visitors are being encouraged to bring their own food and drinks, some supplies in local stores may be limited or not immediately available in the aftermath of the eclipse weekend.

“Look, we certainly urge you to get what you need in advance,” Thomas said, but added, “But, please keep in mind that this will be a short-lived event. It is not like the snowstorm we experienced in 2021. So, we ask that you do not hoard. That will just create unnecessary problems for others. We expect the supply chain to return to normal shortly after the event.”

  • Gas: Be sure all your vehicles are filled up the week before eclipse weekend. Since the majority of our visitors will be arriving and navigating here in vehicles, it stands to reason that fuel supplies might run low or out.

  • Cash: Consider keeping some cash on hand, so that you can continue as normal in the event credit card processors go down due to the strain on the local infrastructure.

  • Childcare: April 8 has already been deemed a student holiday by Kerrville Independent School District. Other schools and preschools may follow suit, so plan ahead for someone to care for children if needed.

  • Glasses: The only way to watch the solar eclipse safely is by wearing eclipse glasses. The City of Kerrville is selling eclipse glasses individually and in bulk at several locations. Glasses are available for purchase at the City of Kerrville Parks and Recreation Department, 2385 Bandera Highway; Kerrville City Hall, 701 Main Street in Kerrville; the Kerrville Convention and Visitors Bureau Visitor Center, 2108 Sidney Baker Street in Kerrville, Gibson’s Discount Store, 111 West Main Street, West Kerr Chamber of Commerce, 3186 Junction Highway in Ingram; Hill Country Arts Foundation, 120 Point Theatre Road in Ingram, and at various other locations.

Glasses also will be sold at the Kerrville Eclipse Festival on April 8 in Louise Hays Park.

NASA has provided glasses for all Kerrville ISD students to take home.

 

“We will have minor first aid stations set up at all volunteer fire departments in the county,” Thomas said. Additionally, Peterson Health is making plans for a larger influx of patients and a second medical helicopter is expected to be based in the area that weekend.

Aside from unforeseen accidents, there are many things residents can do to prepare for their health and well-being during the event. “Traveling around the county will likely be challenging, so it is best to think ahead,” Thomas said. A traffic plan for the event will be released in the coming days.

“Make sure you have an adequate supply of any medications or medical supplies you rely upon to last you through the eclipse. Accessing refills or replacements during the eclipse will likely be difficult,” Thomas said. Citizens are urged to contact their pharmacy and get details on their operating hours.

Keep a well-stocked first aid kit on hand, follow proper eclipse viewing guidelines to avoid eye injury, and those who find themselves in a medical emergency are asked to call 9-1-1 for assistance.

The Peterson Health Urgent Care Center will be open. Visit www.petersonhealth.com/services/urgent-care for a list of conditions treated there. Patients can schedule appointments online or by calling 830-258-7669.

Kerr County, Texas, the City of Kerrville, local emergency response agencies and other key stakeholders in the health of our community are funneling information through one website: www.kerrvilleeclipse.com.