Don't Let Solar Events Eclipse Safety

solar ecliipse It’s been almost 100 years since the last coast-to-coast total solar eclipse, so there is plenty of reason to be excited for the big event on Monday. But don’t let a once-in-a-lifetime solar event eclipse everyday safety.

Watch safely. Didn’t your mother ever tell you not to stare at the sun? NASA offers some great tips on how to use solar filters and viewers to enjoy the solar eclipse without damaging your eyes, including where to find reputable vendors. Thinking about vision safety and protective glasses is not just important when looking at the sun, there are plenty of things you do around the home that necessitate eye protection – tasks like spraying cleaning chemicals or pesticides; mowing the lawn, clipping bushes, cutting tree limbs; or using any power tool to cut, grind, or drill.

Drive safely.
Expect a lot of traffic this weekend and Monday. Be prepared for delays by planning extra time into your trips so you’ll be less inclined to rush and make poor decisions due to stress. Drive defensively and expect more distracted driving.

Walk safely. Unfortunately, we’ve gotten used to people being distracted while looking down at their phones, people literally fell off clips during the Pokémon craze, now add to that people being distracted looking up at the sky. Yes, distracted walking can be deadly, especially when it meets distracted driving.

The most important thing is to just be mindful, don’t get caught up too much in the excitement that you ignore common sense. There is no reason a once-in-a-lifetime event should become an end-of-a-lifetime event.

Solar eclipse safety tips