Doing all we can to prepare for the eclipse

Emergency Management Coordinator Bill Gordon began Monday night’s final public meeting before the eclipse by saying we’re pretty much going to be outnumbered.

“A whole lot of people from around the planet want to see this,” he said. “We’re probably going to be outnumbered, but the hospital, police and fire have done everything they can to be prepared.”

Gordon went on to let folks know the ins and outs of allowing people to camp or use their property short term.

If you have rented out your home, backyard, driveway or even your field for visitors, you, as the property owner are responsible for those guests. For instance, if someone staying on your property were to start a fire and it spread outside your property line, you would be responsible. The same would apply if they were to damage something, you would be responsible.

Gordon suggested people should check their homeowners policies, a suggestion Meri Ann Rush, Chamber Director reiterated.

Rush also suggested letting your visitors know what your expectations are about alcohol use on your property and that drugs are not allowed. Educating your visitors about rattlesnakes is also a good idea. Let them know they don’t have to kill them, just walk away.

In addition, let them know they cannot, by DEQ regulations, dump their black water tanks or septic on the ground, but have to use one of the dump sites available, either at Exxon Southside or the town’s dump area by the former water plant.

Traffic will be a concern in town as well as roads in and out, including Wind River Canyon. Fortunately, highway patrol has informed their employees there will be no time off during the time leading up to and after the eclipse. Things are still bound to be congested, so patience is going to be needed by everyone.

Gordon also said parents should be talking with their kids and families about what to do in case of an emergency. At the height of the eclipse, officials are saying there could be a loss of cell phone service, so your famly should have a plan in place, just in case.

One thing folks could do is make arrangements with neighbors who have land based phones.

The county’s 9-1-1 system is internet based, but should there be an outtage like there was with one internet provider last week, the system automatically switches over to their other provider so there won’t be any interruption in services.

Of course stocking up on necessities from the grocery store is recommended by at least Wednesday along with making sure you have prescriptions filled and your gas tank topped off. These little things will make life much easier during the influx of visitors.

First, and foremost, these folks are in town to enjoy a once in a lifetime celestial event. For many, this is their vacation for the summer. If these visitors have a great time in Thermopolis, they are more apt to return and also suggest a vacation here for their friends. While it may seem like a giant hassle, in the end, it could be a definite boon for tourism in Hot Springs County.