DeWine Signs Order on Solar Eclipse Safety

Gov. Mike DeWine signed an executive order on Wednesday that directs all state departments and agencies to be prepared to ensure the health and safety of all Ohioans and visitors before, during and after the forthcoming solar eclipse. The total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8 will cross a 124-mile-wide band in the state of Ohio, the governor’s office said in a news release. Only 21 total solar eclipses have crossed the lower 48 states during the existence of the U.S. The last total solar eclipse visible in Ohio was in 1806, and the next total solar eclipse will not pass through Ohio until the year 2099.

The Ohio Emergency Management Agency (Ohio EMA) is coordinating the state’s preparation and response to the event, and all law enforcement agencies are prepared to respond with necessary personnel and resources to assist local law enforcement in contributing to the safety and security of Ohio residents and tourists.  The event is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to the state. The influx of visitors prompted state agencies to work together to ensure everyone is prepared and safe before, during and after the event. Travelers are urged to arrive early and stay late to avoid the heaviest traffic. Additional preparedness resources are available at eclipse.ohio.gov and events surrounding the eclipse can be found at ohio.org/eclipse.