Prepping for the apocEclipse

Eclipse - diamond ring 1999

It hardly needs to be said that the total solar eclipse occurring on Monday is going to wreak havoc on the region — it already is. With something like 200,000 visitors coming to Central Oregon and descending on Madras on Monday, there are a number of resources out there for prepping for it all.

The Source Weekly has been doing a great job with their Eclipse Guide, and is a great single resource to consult, including a rundown of eclipse events.

The Oregon Office of Emergency Management site has an eclipse guide with frequently asked questions for preparing for the event. The Central Oregon Emergency Information Network has a good section on solar eclipse information as well.

All of the advice you’ve been hearing applies, and you’d better be doing this RIGHT NOW as there are already reports of shortages:

  • Fill up your car(s) with gas (fill any gas cans you might have as well)
  • Stock up on at least a week’s worth of groceries
  • Stock up on water — either bottled water, or fill up empty vessels/jugs you have on hand
  • Have extra cash on hand, in case you can’t make it to the bank or ATMs run out
  • Fill up your propane tanks if you have them

And don’t forget to pick up some ISO certified eclipse glasses if you’re hoping to view the eclipse.

Personally, I’m not planning on going anywhere that day, because I think it’s going to be insane and may well overwhelm our local infrastructure. Good luck to you if you are!

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