03/22/2024
In preparation for the upcoming solar eclipse, the New York State Police have teamed up with various state, local, and federal agencies to create a detailed emergency plan. Their main goal is simple: to keep everyone safe during the eclipse and as they head home afterward.
Looking back at the 2017 eclipse, some areas saw their population double in the days leading up to and during the event. To handle the potential crowds and avoid any problems, the State Police are planning ahead to minimize any negative impacts.
They've set up a Regional Operation Center (ROC) at their headquarters in Ray Brook, where they'll work closely with other agencies to coordinate their efforts. During the eclipse, they'll have twice the usual number of officers on duty, strategically placed to keep an eye on traffic and respond quickly to any issues.
They're also thinking about people who might get stuck on the roads. Special teams will be ready to help out with food, water, and other essentials. Plus, they'll have extra aircraft and other vehicles on standby for any emergencies.
With all this planning, they're still worried about things like traffic jams, delays in emergency services, and even cell phone networks getting overloaded. So, they're giving some tips to help people get ready. They're advising folks to consider staying in the area overnight, fueling up their cars ahead of time, and stocking up on food and water.
They're also asking locals to avoid driving around too much after the eclipse, and they're suggesting that schools might want to give students the day off or at least a half-day. And for anyone planning to watch the eclipse, they're reminding them to use approved safety glasses and stick to designated viewing spots.
In short, the New York State Police are working hard to make sure everyone stays safe and enjoys the eclipse. They're asking for patience and cooperation from everyone on the roads, especially after the event when traffic might be heavy.
Concerns for the area due to the influx of population:
• Potential for transportation system disruptions and/or impacts.
• Potential for delayed/disrupted emergency service responses and prolonged response times.
• Potential for stranded motorists.
• Out of the area visitors and potential weather/road concerns.
• Fuel infrastructure may not be able to support an increase in vehicular traffic.
• Gridlocked traffic may result in an increased demand for fuel, food and water depending on duration.
• Cellular networks may be overloaded by high volume.
• Increase in 911 call volume.
• Untrained/unfamiliar people attempting to view the event from the high peaks or off trail without the necessary equipment/gear.
• Students stranded on buses in traffic.
The New York State Police make the following recommendations based on expectations:
• Plan on staying in the region the night of the event, if possible.
• If you can’t stay, fuel up the day before the event.
• Have extra food and water in your vehicle for your trip, shop the day before.
• Local residents should avoid the roadways after the event.
• Have cellphones charged and bring chargers with you.
• Schools are recommended to have the day off or a half-day.
• Plan on being in traffic for as long as 4-12 hours to get out of the North Country.
• Plan on viewing the event from designated viewing sites.
• If you are going to view the eclipse, ensure you use the appropriate approved glasses.
• If from out of the area, don’t use vehicles that can’t travel for 10 plus hours without charging – stranded EVs in traffic will be towed,
• Unless you are an experienced hiker, do not attempt to view the event from the High Peaks or undesignated Adirondack Park areas.
• Climate and conditions will be unpredictable! No matter how nice the weather, the water temperatures will be dangerously low.
