Navarro County Settles on Eclipse Plan

By Kris Smith

Last Wednesday, many members of the Navarro County law enforcement and first responders’ community joined Navarro County Commissioners and Navarro County Office of Emergency Management Coordinator Eric Meyers to discuss their plan of action for Monday’s historic total solar eclipse.
Local departments and municipalities expect more than 100,000 visitors in Navarro County from Friday, April 5 through Tuesday, April 9th. Weather forecast may lower the number of visitors.

Meeting Notes:

• Theft was the number one increase in Police calls during the 2017 eclipse.
• Increase in just population of County by 50k or more could overwhelm cell networks.
• 78 “unofficial” sites are offering RV and vehicle parking. This could be a problem.
• Trash and lack of restrooms are expected to be big problems.
• CPD will have officers stationed at Lake Halbert, IOOF park, and other locations. The remaining officers will be “all hands-on deck” for traffic control.
• Study from 2017 eclipse suggests that illegal drug use went up by 400% on the day of that eclipse.
• Watch for sub-par glasses that do not meet the required rating for viewing the eclipse being sold or given away.

NCOEM Coordinator Meyers discussed the challenges citizens should be prepared for –

Large Crowds
Booked hotels, RV spaces, Short Term rentals
Traffic, not only on major roadways – but also on Farm-to-Market and county roads;
Vehicles stopped on roadways, vehicle accidents;
Medical Emergencies;
Fuel Shortages;
Communication issues – Cell and Internet outages;
Overwhelmed 9-1-1 and dispatch centers;
School closures or operational changes;
Debris Management;
Wildfires;
Civil Unrest;
Weather issues (e.g. Cloud cover, rain, hail)

BE PREPARED:

Remember with the possibility of failing internet and cell phone service, have cash on hand as the ability to use credit/debit cards will likely be diminished in certain areas.
Schedule errands and appointments as necessary or postpone them until after the Eclipse has passed.
Staying connected will be key. Establish a communication plan with your family during Friday – Tuesday.
Groceries: Be sure to stock up on your essential groceries and fuel to avoid running low during the Eclipse weekend.
Stay informed. Citizens and visitors can stay updated on road conditions by utilizing TxDOT’s DriveTexas.org or by following the Navarro County Office of Emergency Management (NCOEM) Facebook and Instagram pages.
Traffic – Be prepared for heavy traffic and be aware of longer wait times at local establishments. Patience and kindness will be beneficial to everyone through Tuesday, April 9th.
Protect your vision. Ensure you have ISO certified safety glasses to view the Eclipse if you desire to do so.

Eclipse Festivities across the county –

Corsicana – The Total Eclipse Fest, presented by Corsicana’s Visitors’ Bureau, will sponsor an event on Saturday, April 6th, downtown at 211 W Collin Street. Entertainment will be provided by Chaser Crouch and Kin Faux. Also, various local food trucks will be available as will many activities for ALL ages.

Rice – Historic Downtown Rice is hosting an event on Monday, April 8 – bring a chair and ISO certified Eclipse glasses. RV Parking is available – call (903) 326-7500

Angelita Vineyard – Monday, April 8th- Solar Eclipse Viewing Party $100/ticket includes Lunch, T-shirt, Eclipse glasses, Live Music, Totality wine with souvenir glass. More information at https://angelitavineyard.com/total-eclipse-party/

Fairfield will also sponsor a fun family event at the WL Moody Fairgrounds on Monday, April 8th from 11 AM- 2 PM.

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