The last total solar eclipse visible in Ohio was in 1806, and the next one won’t occur until 2099. The Ohio Emergency Management Agency is expecting anywhere from 150,000 to 575,000 visitors to the state to view the rare event. To prepare for this once-in-a-lifetime occurrence on Monday, April 8, AEP Ohio has been working with local and regional partners to ensure coordinated efforts.
Similar to our storm response, AEP Ohio is taking the following steps:
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A 124-mile-wide band across the state of Ohio will experience the eclipse beginning at 3:08 p.m., with the moon’s shadow exiting the state at 3:19 p.m. While the eclipse will last only about five minutes or so, a partial eclipse will be visible before and after the event. Activating Our Incident Command System (ICS): This establishes the framework, if needed, for a coordinated response and efficient communication across AEP Ohio and with our local government partners.
- Staggering Work Shifts & Strategically Placing Crews: During the eclipse, our crews will be strategically positioned in areas most affected by the path of totality. Crews in those areas will also report to work in staggered shifts to help avoid expected traffic congestion and to ensure any outage restoration is completed safely and as quickly as possible.
- Coordinating with Community Partners: We’ll continue to stay in close communication with local Emergency Management Agencies (EMAs) and law enforcement in advance of the event. This includes monitoring traffic patterns and requesting law enforcement escorts if needed to access our equipment during any outages.
As we do every day, AEP Ohio will also be:
- Tracking Weather Systems: AEP’s meteorologists will continue to monitor weather patterns and keep an eye out for anything that could impact our infrastructure.
- Assessing the Need for Additional Personnel: In the event of severe weather, AEP Ohio will determine if and when more crews are needed, whether from non-impacted locations in Ohio, AEP’s sister utility companies or from our mutual assistance partners in the region.
NOTE: PJM, the electric grid operator for more than 65 million people across 11 states, does not expect the grid to be affected by the eclipse or the influx of people in the area.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PREPARE & SAFELY ENJOY THE ECLIPSE
The safety of our customers and employees is our No. 1 priority. The Ohio Emergency Management Agency has shared important safety tips about planning, traveling, parking and safely viewing the eclipse. Here are a few important reminders from AEP Ohio:
- When looking for areas to view the eclipse, be sure to stay away from electric equipment. This includes not parking near substations, utility poles, pad-mounted transformers, transmission rights-of-way and all other electrical infrastructure.
- Revisit your emergency preparedness plan. Contact family, friends and neighbors who are elderly or have a medical condition. (Don’t forget to include pets in your planning, too.)
- Assemble or update your emergency kit.
- Fully charge your cell phone and fill up your gas tank.
Customers with life-supporting medical equipment should have a backup power source and an alternate plan in the event of a power outage.
STAYING SAFE ON THE ROAD
Extremely heavy traffic is expected due to a surge in visitors during the event, which could result in an increase in vehicle accidents. Vehicle accidents are a leading cause of power outages across AEP Ohio’s service territory and often take longer to repair depending on how much equipment is brought down. We always encourage safe driving every day so you can reach your destination safely.
AEP Ohio will provide updates if information changes ahead of the eclipse.
*Images courtesy the Ohio Emergency Management Agency
