(The Center Square) – Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine activated the Ohio Emergency Operations Center on Friday to help local communities handle the hundreds of thousands of expected visitors for Monday’s full solar eclipse.
Beginning Sunday, staffers from the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ohio Emergency Management Agency, Ohio EPA and the departments of transportation, natural resources, administrative services and job and family services will be in the emergency operations center in Columbus.
“There is no better place to experience the eclipse than in Ohio, the ‘Birthplace of Aviation’ and the heart of aerospace,” DeWine said in a statement. “While we are confident that our local communities have fully prepared for the influx of spectators, having our Emergency Operations Center at the ready will allow us to immediately respond if any unexpected needs arise.”
The state patrol will also increase staffing and use its aviation to help with traffic safety and emergency response. Troopers will also be available to help local law enforcement agencies and motorists leading up to and after the eclipse.
The Ohio Department of Transportation will help with traffic control and adjust traffic signal timing near popular viewing areas.
Portable message signs will be placed at various locations to keep travelers informed about traffic incidents and driving conditions.
Roadwork on state-maintained roads and the Ohio Turnpike will be restricted ahead of, during and after the event to help with traffic flow.
TourismOhio launched a website with information about special events and attractions surrounding the eclipse.
“We usually don’t have this much notice for a large-scale event, but the eclipse has been hundreds of years in the making, so that helped make our jobs a little easier,” Sima Merick, director of the Ohio EMA, said. “Our EOC teams will be watching traffic cameras, weather radar, and monitoring local needs through contact with our county partners, and we stand ready to provide resources as needed.”
