Police, fire departments share safety tips for today’s total solar eclipse

DAYTON — Many people will be gathering across the Miami Valley for today’s total solar eclipse.

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Several police and fire departments are issuing reminders on social media that people should be aware of today.

Dayton Police & Fire posted this on its Facebook page:

• Do not wear regular sunglasses or view the sun with the naked eye.
• Use eclipse glasses/solar viewers that comply with the ISO 12313-3 international standard.
• Do NOT look at the Sun through a camera lens, telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device while wearing eclipse glasses or using a handheld solar viewer.
• Not following best safety practices for eclipse viewing can cause eye injury/damage.

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Huber Heights Police said they are anticipating heavy traffic in the area for today’s solar eclipse.

They offered these tips on social media:

• If you are planning to view the eclipse from a location other than your own backyard, plan to leave early. It is likely that traffic will begin building in volume by late morning, and could be slowed considerably by Noon.
• If you’re heading elsewhere to watch the eclipse, make sure your gas tank is full. If traffic is backed up, getting in and out of a gas station could be a very long ordeal.
• Expect issues with your cell phone. As the volume of cell phone users increases in an area, the cell tower’s efficiency will decrease.

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The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office also provided safety tips on social media.

• Pack your patience and fill your gas tank.
• Pre-plan your route.
• Do not rely on cell signal or GPS as towers may experience disruptions due to high volumes of usage.
• Do not pull off the side of the roadway and do not park on privately owned land, including empty lots or farm fields.
• DO NOT call 911 unless it is a life threatening emergency.
• Keep a preparedness kit in a the car that includes a paper map, jumper cables, flares, or reflective triangle, car cell phone charger, a blanket, etc.

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