04/03/2024
Some good information about the eclipse.
Scientists at NASA told us the sun is leaving Kerr County for about four and a half minutes, not forever. With that in mind, here’s a quick checklist to get you through those four minutes, and the associated festivities:
1. FOOD - Have food on hand for a few of days. Just like most of us usually do. No need to buy another deep freeze. No need to clear our local grocery stores of bottled water and all protein sources. Much like Covid, we have not been able to connect eclipses to any kind of gastric disturbances, so go easy on the toilet paper.
2. MEDS. Have what you need and plan wisely for medication refills, so you are not required to venture out for medical reasons.
3. COMMUNICATIONS. There is a chance that we’ll have some very temporary cell phone issues during the height of the visitor count here in Kerr County. Make a plan for critical communications if cell towers are strained. It’s helpful to know who in your neighborhood has a landline. You can also visit a fire station in case of a true medical emergency.
4. FUEL. Go ahead and fuel up your vehicle this week if you need to, unless it’s a gasoline tanker. A tank’ll likely do ‘ya for this adventure. Except for extreme circumstances, filling extra containers with gas or diesel should not be necessary. Remember that if we go easy on our resources, we’ll help locals and visitors have what they need. While we’re at it, if you charge your vehicle, please do so at home as local EV charging points may be in shockingly high demand compared to the supply.
5. TRAFFIC. Take a few minutes to read the traffic plan at http://KerrvilleEclipse.com. We are not planning closures of any road in Kerr County other than some streets in the immediate area of Louise Hays Park. If someone tells you that major state roads are going to be completely closed, you can kindly respond with “balderdash” or “poppycock.”
6. EYES. Don’t look at the sun without eclipse glasses. Really.
7. ECLIPSE & CHILL. It’s a good idea to pack and practice patience. Your entire public safety team has planned for this event for over two years. Every available deputy will be serving Kerr County during this time, along with many more from area agencies. One of the best ways to help maintain everyone’s safety is to be patient, follow traffic recommendations, and prepare.
8. BURN BAN. There’s a burn ban on, and a digging ban for big projects, too. Can you dig it? Well, not during the eclipse, construction friends. Save that bonfire for another day, as your firefighters already have their hands full. There is, however, no ban on playing “Total Eclipse of the Heart” but we assure you everyone is already tired of it.
9. COURTESY & HIGH WEIRDNESS. Animals and certain people may act strangely during the eclipse. (With or without current rabies concerns). A little courtesy in your celebration decisions, and some tolerance of others’ plans will help us all have a great time.
10. GET GOOD INFO: Want to be really smart and not just rumor smart? Get info from official sources like Kerr County, Texas, City of Kerrville - Police Department, City of Kerrville, TX - City Hall, Kerrville Fire Department, Ingram Volunteer Fire Department, Turtle Creek Volunteer Fire Department, Kerrville Convention & Visitors Bureau, and City of Kerrville Parks and Recreation Department, and our page at Kerr County Sheriff's Office.
