Local Residents and Businesses are Encouraged to Prepare for Eclipse Visitors

Enjoy the 2017 Total Solar Eclipse Event !

Local Residents and Businesses are Encouraged to Prepare for Eclipse Visitors

A record number of visitors are expected to visit Linn County over the weekend and leading up the Monday’s Solar Eclipse.  We want this to be an enjoyable and memorable experience for all!  The following information and tips are meant to help local residents prepare for the influx of people.

1. )  Please be safe!  Protect your eyes.  Damage from viewing the Eclipse is permanent!  Never look at the sun without eclipse-rated eyewear.  Eclipse glasses are available at Santiam Feed and Seed, Sweet Home Chamber of Commerce, BiMart and the Foster Lake Mall.  They will also be available at the Community Health Fair on Saturday, August 19th from 9am until 2pm at the Sweet Home High School (while supplies last).
2.)  The City has identified areas where public restrooms and water will be available.  Maps will be distributed so visitors will be able to find locations of restrooms and water filling stations.
To help ease the supply burden, local residents should fill up their gas tanks and purchase their groceries before the Eclipse weekend.
3.)  Cell phone coverage is likely to be limited due to increase demand on towers.  Residents should plant to use a landline when possible to help keeps cellular lines open for visitors and residents needing emergency assistance.
4.)  Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is anticipating record-breaking traffic on Oregon’s roadways during this event, particularly routes into the Path of Totality like Highway 95, 20/26, Highway 201, and Interstate 84.  To help ease congestion and keep the roads open for emergency vehicles, residents are advised to limit non-essential travel during the weekend and Monday.
5.)  Dispatchers and emergency managers are preparing for an influx in emergency calls over the weekend and on Monday.  Please dial 911 only in case of emergency.  For non-emergency assistance, please call (541) 367-5181.  Keep in mind response times may be delayed due to traffic or other high priority calls.
6.)  Locals know August is the height of fire season in Oregon.  As a reminder, help us prevent fire by observing local burn bans:

i.No campfires and open flames

ii.Use propane BBQs for cooking

iii.Dispose of cigarettes responsibly

iv.Many visitors do not reside in places where wildfires are common and may not be familiar with our burn ban restrictions.  If you see a concern, please politely inform visitors of local burn ban restrictions

v.Report fires immediately by calling 911

For more information on local Solar Eclipse planning efforts and what you can do to prepare to welcome visitors in your business and our community, please contact the City of Sweet Home at (541) 367-8969.  Local information is available on this website here.