With as many as 160,000 people expected to travel to Vermont on Monday to see a rare total solar eclipse, officials are advising visitors and locals alike to stay safe and be prepared.
The Red Cross has provided five key safety tips for those traveling to the event:
— Pack an emergency kit, just in case you get stuck in traffic or have to hunker down overnight. That should include water, food, flashlights, battery-powered radio, first aid kit, medications, multi-purpose tool, personal hygiene items (including toilet paper), cell phone chargers, extra cash, blankets, maps and emergency contact info.
— Check the weather forecast. In Burlington on Monday, highs are expected to be 62 degrees and lows 37 degrees. In Newport, highs are expected to reach 57 degrees and lows 35 degrees.
— Keep your gas tank full. You may be stuck in traffic for a while.
— Let somebody know where you’re going and how you’ll get there.
— Pick a meeting location, in case your group gets separated.
Water safety
Though air temperatures are expected to be moderate around the time of totality Monday afternoon, state officials, the National Weather Service and the U.S. Coast Guard are warning those in Vermont to avoid waterways due to a high risk of hypothermia.
Water temperatures remain dangerously cold this time of year: in the 30s, in some places. In waters less than 40 degrees, hypothermia side effects can set it within a matter of minutes. That’s because water conducts heat away up to 25 times faster than air of the same temperature. Symptoms can include numbness and muscle weakness, and death can result.
Officials advise against viewing the eclipse from the water — and to be safe when observing it from shorelines of lakes, ponds and rivers.
Observation safety
Looking at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun without eye protection is dangerous. Here are some safety tips from the American Astronomical Society:
— Looking directly at the sun is only safe during the brief phase of totality, when the moon completely blocks the sun — and that will only take place in certain parts of Vermont.
— At all other times (and in all other places) it’s essential to view the sun only through special-purpose solar filters, such as “eclipse glasses.” Regular sunglasses will not do the trick.
— Make sure to inspect solar filters before use to ensure they’re not damaged. Read instructions and supervise children’s use of glasses.
— If you usually wear eyeglasses, keep them on and put eclipse glasses over them.
— Do not look at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun through an ordinary camera, telescope or binoculars — even while wearing eclipse glasses.
Eclipse etiquette
In addition to staying safe, you might also consider being polite! The state has offered these tips for eclipse etiquette:
— Find a safe, open, accessible site to view the eclipse. Plan to arrive ahead of time.
— Plan for lodging and travel, ahead of time. (If you haven’t already done so, it might be too late!)
— Be considerate of others. You’re not the only one looking up at the sky.
— Follow guidelines and don’t be a rule-breaker.
— Respect wildlife and natural areas. Note that many trails are closed because of muddy and icy conditions. Stick to valleys and open areas to avoid damaging recreational trails and vegetation. Don’t feed the bears, guys.
— Dispose of waste properly.
