19/03/2024
April 8th Solar Eclipse. As April 8th approaches, local residents may want to consider advance planning and preparation. State and local officials are expecting a tremendous influx of people from outside our area hoping to see the eclipse. This region of central and southern Illinois is considered to be within a prime viewing area. Marion County among others along the I-57 corridor will also attract thousands of eclipse enthusiasts. Local residents may want to consider preparing for extremely high traffic volume during the three to four days leading up to the April 8th actual event. Traveling even to the grocery store, pharmacy or filling station may be extremely difficult. There may be shortages of items in local stores and possibly a short supply of gasoline. Local residents are encouraged to stock up on items prior to April 5th. This includes required medications, food, pet supplies and gasoline. Always a good idea to have emergency supplies on hand and keep gas tanks full. Hotels, campgrounds, restaurants, grocery stores and filling stations expect to be inundated with travelers. If you have elderly relatives or neighbors, especially those with mobility and access challenges, you may want to help them in advance preparation. Salem has a website with information of the April 8th eclipse. See www.salemeclipse.com for further information.