Solar Eclipse Preparadness

Total Solar Eclipse

On Monday, April 8, 2024, Kerrville will experience a total solar eclipse where the moon completely blocks the sun. Even though the sun is about 400 times larger than the moon, the distance between each solar body creates the illusion that they’re the same size in the sky when viewed from Earth.

The total solar eclipse is expected to be in totality for about 4 minutes and 24 seconds for the Kerrville area. The Eclipse will begin at 12:14 p.m. and end at 2:55 p.m. Totality will occur from 1:32 p.m. – 1:36 p.m.

We can expect many guests to visit our community on the day of the eclipse. To ensure we are good hosts during this event, the City of Kerrville and KPD have provided our community with the following tips and information.

Traffic Increases & Delays

We are predicted to have an increase in traffic in and around the Kerrville area in the days leading up to the eclipse—traffic flow will likely be very heavy on the day of the eclipse. The Kerrville Police Department and its partners have been working together to prepare and plan for the increased traffic. The volume of traffic expected will likely create delays. Patience and understanding is asked of the motoring public as they work to manage the demands on the day of the event.

Cellular Service

It is also possible that cell service could be disrupted due to increased demand. If these disruptions do occur, they may last several hours. Traditional hardwired telephones will likely not be affected, and knowing where the nearest one is, in the event of an emergency, is recommended. Planning ahead and knowing what to expect will make a big difference.

Community Prep Tips

• Schedule errands and appointments in advance of the eclipse event.
• Consider keeping sufficient cash on hand in the unlikely event that credit card machines and ATMs do not function.
• Purchase food, supplies, and prescription medication in advance of the event for your convenience.
• Fuel automobiles completely several days prior to the eclipse, as the number of guests expected in our community will increase demand. If you plan to travel, depart early and consider packing water, food, chairs, blankets, sunscreen, umbrellas, and something to entertain you and your fellow travelers in case you encounter heavy traffic.
• Public restrooms may be crowded or scarce, so plan accordingly.
• If you are planning to view the event, make sure you have the correct viewing glasses. It is not safe to look at the eclipse without appropriate protective eyewear.

Business Prep Tips

• Businesses should create a backup plan for point of sale, security, payment processing and other operations that rely on connectivity. Arrange staffing ahead of time and communicate those plans well in advance to staff members.
• Businesses may experience a higher volume of cash sales if cell service is disrupted. Plan to have sufficient cash on hand and confirm deposit procedures with your bank prior to the eclipse, as well as banking hours during this event.
• Take advantage of the influx of visitors to our community by extending your business hours and being open throughout the weekend leading up to the event and the day of the eclipse!
• The hospitality industry will experience the largest impact. Hotels and motels, other lodgings, restaurants, gas stations, and convenience stores can expect to see a considerable increase in customers.
• For food and drink establishments, consider increasing food and drink supplies to meet higher-than-usual demands. Restaurants should consider limited menu options and grab-and-go options. Focus on items that can be stored or frozen to eliminate the possibility of spoilage of unsold items.
• Avoid scheduling appointments and meetings on April 8, as most if not all will be cancelled at the last minute due to the eclipse and traffic congestion.
• Make eclipse-friendly signage for your property (for example, “Welcome Eclipse Visitors!”), consider food and drink specials to attract eclipse customers and increase your sales.
• Allow parking for eclipse guests or make sure you have signage designation that is for employees only.

Eye Safety

You will need to wear special glasses to view the Eclipse safely. Eye damage can occur if you look directly at the sun without appropriate protection, except during totality. Eclipse glasses should meet the ISO 12312-2 or ISO 12312-2:2015 international safety standard. Be careful of counterfeits. Sunglasses and other eyewear are not safe to view an eclipse.

DO’S:

DO wear ISO-compliant eclipse glasses.

DO experience totality, then as soon as the bright Sun reappears, use your eclipse glasses again to view the remaining partial phases.

DON’TS:

DO NOT look at the Sun without proper eyewear.

DO NOT look at the Sun with sunglasses.

DO NOT look at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed Sun through an unfiltered camera, telescope, binoculars, or other optical devices.

DO NOT look at the Sun through a camera, a telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device with your eclipse glasses. The concentrated solar rays will damage the filter and enter your eye(s), causing serious injury.

DO NOT remove your solar filter before the Moon completely covers the Sun’s bright face and it is entirely dark.

For more information about eclipse eye safety, visit https://eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety/iso-certification or contact your physician.

Glasses are currently for sale locally at:
Kerrville-Schreiner Park and Kerrville City Hall
Kerrville Convention & Visitor’s Bureau
Gibson’s (and select memorabilia)
West Kerr Chamber Office

Eclipse Preparedness

A little bit of preparedness and patience goes a long way. Many of the above recommendations are the same type of general advice we would give before major storms or other inclement weather. The desire isn’t to cause fear, but for people to plan and prepare for these events with as little disruption to our safety and security as possible.

Planning ahead and knowing what to expect will make the eclipse event an experience all of us can enjoy and appreciate while still being safe, secure and comfortable.

Energy Demand & Outages

KPUB has been monitoring and preparing for the Total Solar Eclipse that will impact our service area. We are not anticipating any power supply demand issues or grid-related outages during this event, as April is a shoulder month in Texas. But power outages do happen, still, for a number of reasons—common outage causes include rain, wind, lightning and broken tree limbs. Also, vehicle accidents and wildlife are frequent causes of outages.

Our KPUB office will be closed on Monday, April 8, 2024, to help our community with traffic congestion. KPUB will still be responding to outages 24/7. We will have crews stationed at key locations in our service area for faster outage response in case of any outages that require physical crew repairs. Patience and understanding is asked during any outage restoration during this event. There is a potential for slower outage response times with our crews due to traffic congestion surrounding the eclipse.

Additional information & FAQ

Follow Kerrville Eclipse on Facebook & Instagram to stay up to date on the latest information involving eclipse planning, and check www.kerrvilleeclipse.com for additional information, including an FAQ section.