Preparing for the solar eclipse

Chamber of Commerce Executive Director

We are only 53 days away from the 2017 Solar Eclipse. It is hard to believe that we have been planning for this event for almost 2 years. I have been surprised how many organizations have been involved in preparing for this “Once in a Lifetime” Event. Among the participants in these at these monthly planning meetings have been BLM, HSC Public Health, HSC Emergency Management, Mortimore Ambulance Service, HSC Search & Rescue, HSC Weed & Pest, HSCMH, Hot Springs State Park, HSC Planner, Town of Thermopolis and HSC Senior Citizen Center (to name only a few). There are a lot of bases to cover to make sure that Thermopolis is prepared for the influx of visitors that is predicted.

One of the many issues is making sure that our emergency responders are prepared. Some residents are setting up campsites in their pastures and vacant lots to help accommodate the tourists wanting to stay and enjoy the events in Thermopolis. If you are planning to host some of these visitors, please provide the Chamber with a layout of the sites and contact information. This will be provided to the Thermopolis Volunteer Fire Department, Mortimore Ambulance Service, 911 Dispatch, Hot Springs County Sheriff’s Office and the Thermopolis Police Department. With this information, responders will have a much better idea on how and where to respond. Your information will be kept confidential and will only be used if you should call 911.

We will be having our last public meeting on Monday, July 24 at 6 p.m. at the HSC Museum. Please plan to attend and bring any questions that you have to be prepared for this great event. A reminder that if you are planning an event during the 2017 Solar Eclipse weekend, please contact the Chamber so you can be added to our list of activities. If you have any questions, please contact the Chamber at 864-3192 or Bill Gordon at 864-4649.