Blog 4/1/24

Rare Solar Eclipse on April 8 a Cause for Excitement – and Safety!

As Equitas Health and the rest of North America look forward – and up! – to a rare solar eclipse on April 8, it is important to keep yourself and others safe.

The path where sunlight will be completely blocked will pass directly over many Equitas Health locations in Ohio and Texas. This path is called “the line of totality.” Officials expect large crowds of people to gather in these areas to see this amazing event.

If you plan to view the eclipse, keep in mind these important safety guidelines:

Use proper eye protection: Protect your eyes at all costs. Staring directly at the sun, even during an eclipse, can cause severe eye damage. Only use certified solar viewing glasses or handheld solar viewers that meet international safety standards. Regular sunglasses or makeshift filters will not work. Find good eye protection from a source you trust.

Avoid direct sun gazing: Even with proper eye protection, do not look directly at the sun for long periods during the eclipse. Take breaks and let your eyes rest.

Supervise children: Children must be supervised and have approved eye protection if they plan to look at the eclipse. It is vital to educate them about the risks of looking directly at the sun.

Stay informed: Keep yourself updated with the latest safety recommendations and guidelines. For more information, visit Franklin County Public Health’s What You Need to Know page.

Be aware of your surroundings: While enjoying the eclipse, be mindful of your surroundings to prevent accidents or injuries. Watch out for hazards and choose safe viewing locations away from traffic or crowded areas whenever possible.

Consider other viewing methods: If you cannot get proper eye protection, look for other viewing options such as pinhole cameras or using a telescope with a solar filter.

Protect your camera equipment: If you plan to photograph or film the eclipse, make sure your camera equipment has proper solar filters to protect the lenses and sensors.

However you enjoy this rare event, stay safe!