On February 22nd, Judge David Blackburn of Bell County Texas issued a state of emergency due to the upcoming solar eclipse anticipated to take place on April 8th of this year.

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes over Earth, settling for just a moment between Earth and the sun. This casts a shadow over parts of Earth thus blocking the face of the sun entirely for those observing in the right areas. The solar eclipse is set to take place on April 8th, with NASA commenting that the total solar eclipse; “will cross North America, passing through Texas around 1:27 p.m. CDT and ending in Maine about 3:35 p.m. EDT.” According to reports the longest period that the moon will cover the sun will be “4 minutes and 28 seconds”. The eclipse time is nearly double that of the solar eclipse experienced in the year 2017.

Due to the rare event that will be taking place combined with the fact that Bell County, along with much of Central Texas, is considered to have some of the best views of the solar eclipse, officials decided that a local disaster declaration was needed to warn the current residents in the area of the potential dangers ahead. With the projected influx of visitors for the days before the celestial event and for the days to come after, their numbers would double (or even triple) in population going from 400,000 to 800,000.

Judge Blackburn and other officials also decided to take extreme measures because this event could put a significant strain on resources available to both residents and visitors. Local stores may not be ready to meet such an extreme climb in demand, as well as the overall impact on infrastructures including access to immediate health care (such as first responders), as well as added pressure on gas stations and highways.

During a press conference Judge Blackburn commented on his decision; “This declaration is being issued under the authority given to me as County Judge under state law to plan, prepare, and respond to events that create, or may create a state of emergency in the County.” Bell County OEM (official emergency management) will be working closely with their team to plan how to best respond and lower the risks for County citizens and to assist in the eclipse event preparations.

Since the declaration has been issued, it means that if you are a property owner (hosting, renting, OR leasing) in Bell County’s unincorporated areas from April 4th – April 8th, there are certain procedures you will need to take. If you as the property owner intend to host a watch party for the eclipse, camping, or any other kind of event that would exceed fifty people, you must register with the OEM. This is so they may know where large events are taking place during the eclipse in the case of an emergency requiring first responders.

Bellcountytx.com has provided a list of information property owners will need to provide:

• “Site plans showing the layout of the event.

• A marked number of dry camping spaces and parking.
• Ingress and Egress routes in and out of the property.
• Prove adequate bathroom sites.
• Prove adequate waste disposal systems.
• Prove adequate wastewater solutions to those with RV/Travel trailer black tanks.
• Prove adequate bathroom facilities to primitive/tent campers.
• Obtain and provide approval from Bell County Public Health District if food will be served or the use of food trucks will be used to feed those you are hosting.
• Designate routes in and out for First Responders Emergency vehicles. “

County offices will also be closed on April 8th to allow county employees to remain home with their families, therefore, keeping more people off the roads during this time. Many businesses and school districts will also be closed.

Judge Blackburn also advises that if there are errands you must run in the days around April 8th, do them in advance. Go out and stock up on groceries, gas, or anything you might think of so that you do not have to go out into town during this time.

Bellcountytx.com has also released tips on how to prepare for that coming weekend and how to stay safe.

• “Stay home and avoid driving if you can.
• Expect travel delays and be prepared to take alternative routes.
• Do NOT stop on the side of the road to view the eclipse.
• Fuel up vehicles before the event, on or before April 4.
• Purchase groceries and supplies in advance on or before April 4.
• Refill prescriptions in advance, on or before April 4.
• Be prepared for cellular reception to be intermittent or interrupted.
• Use landlines if possible.
• In the case of an emergency, call 9-1-1; texting 9-1-1 is also an option.
• Know your local non-emergency phone numbers; police, fire, and code enforcement.”

For more information and/or further tips – visit the NASA Eclipse site: https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/