Eclipse Safety! Tips and Resources. Set yourself up for success and enjoy!

​Eclipse 2017
Health and Safety planning: Set yourself up for success!
There are rumors based on truth and myth. I say overprepare and then enjoy yourself worry free.

• How can traffic impact me and those I care about?
• Traffic may be full or backed up with long delays August 18th through the 23rd. Give or take.

Traffic may have great delays causing people to be stuck in traffic for long periods of time unable to make it home, to work or to child care for much longer than expected.
People may be home alone much longer than expected.
Don’t expect to make a quick trip to the store or anywhere in that time.
Be prepared that traffic may cause a domino effect of issues:

• Emergency rescue services may be delayed and may be delayed by a very long time. I’m not sure how long if at all but be prepared with First Aid supplies and anything else that can help you during an emergency.
  • If you have a loved one or a client you care for that may need CPR, be prepared to have them in a space that is easy to access. Have a CPR board if needed.
  • Have back up assistants that are trained in CPR and are able to perform it and be prepared to switch rescuers every two minutes to keep your compressions strong until EMS arrives.
  •  Have a list of medications and medical conditions handy to hand over to EMS quickly if they are called out to assist you, your loved ones or clients.
• For those on oxygen and with other medical needs, make sure they have enough back up oxygen should there be power outages at any time. Power outages are not expected, but with traffic accidents this does happen from time to time.
  • If there should be a power outage: have food handy that does not require cooking or heating, especially if you have people with diabetes or other health conditions where they need to eat regularly.
  • Animal Safety and Care: Make sure that animals are set up with extra water and food and a way to get out to use go pee. If you should be stuck in traffic for several hours, your animals should not be stuck in kennels! Puppies and elderly dogs should not be in a kennel for more than 3 to 4 hours as they cannot hold their bladder that long.
  • Children: Be prepared to have water, snacks, books, crayons and paper and other items to keep them busy should you be stuck in traffic. As well: know where restrooms are along your route and give them opportunities to use the restroom when possible. For babies: Have a backup of bottles, water, formula, diapers, wipes and other baby essentials.   
  • Elderly and disabled: If you have family or clients that are homebound be sure to set them up for success in the case of being along for long periods of time.
    • Please leave needed items where they can reach them!
    • Make sure they can call 911 if needed!
    • Make sure they have plenty of access to water, and food.
    • Make sure their medications, blood sugar test kit  and oxygen are set up, ready to use and easily accessible to them.  
• Do your shopping days beforehand. Buy a bit extra!
  • Make sure to include your first aid supplies, batteries and other emergency items that are needed for your first aid and emergency kits.
  • Be sure to include, baby supplies, supplies for those you care for and pet food as traffic may be heavy for quite some time.
  • Gas up in advance!
• Be prepared for other emergencies: Have an evacuation plan!
  • Local wildfires, and other common emergencies known to the area you will be in.
• Traffic: Watch out for other drivers and make safe decisions!
  • Drivers may be distracted, stay present and aware of your actions and theirs!
  • Do NOT text and drive, look up for the eclipse or be distracted in any way! Keep your eyes on the road. Pull over if needed.
  • Keep a first aid kit in your car if possible: Include a mylar emergency blanket, water and snacks.
  • If you need any medical emergency items such as an EPI pen, inhaler or other medication or food items (for blood sugar), HAVE THEM WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES!
  • Don’t drive if you don’t have to! Not being in traffic is the safest way to deal with the heavy traffic.
• OTHER:
  • Wear protective eye glasses specific to the eclipse!
  • Make sure the glasses you are using have NOT been recalled!

 

• DON’T COUNT ON THIS BLOG TO ANSWER ALL OF YOUR QUESTIONS. Do your research and check out reliable sources specific to where you will be and for your specific needs.

 
Here’s a few incredible links to get you started:
Important resources to view: These came from Oregon Office of Emergency. Please click on each link and invest a brief moment to view each one.

• http://www.oregon.gov/osp/sfm/Pages/eclipse.aspx
• http://www.oregon.gov/osp/Pages/Solar-Eclipse-2017--Information.aspx
• http://keeporegongreen.org/
• https://salemareaeclipse.info/2017/07/10/3-things-that-wont-happen-due-to-the-solar-eclipse-and-3-things-that-will/#more-387
• https://salemareaeclipse.info/
• https://www.saif.com/news/the-eclipse-hazard-you-probably-havent-thought-about-video.html