As the state of Illinois prepares for next week’s historic solar eclipse, health officials are issuing safety warnings to the public ahead of the celestial event. The first safety tip focuses on eye safety, as viewing the partial eclipse without proper protection can cause permanent eye damage, even with 99% coverage. Officials warn against wearing sunglasses to view the eclipse, as they do not provide adequate protection. Instead, they recommend using approved eclipse viewing glasses or pinhole projection techniques to safely attend the eclipse.
Residents planning to travel to other areas to see totality are advised to have safety kits for their vehicles in case they get stuck far from home. These kits should contain non-perishable food, water, medicine and blankets to ensure the safety and well-being of those traveling to witness the eclipse.
NASA reports that the eclipse will cross several national forests and state parks, so hikers are warned to stay on marked trails during the event to avoid slippery cliffs and potential hazards. The solar eclipse is expected to pass through southern Illinois on Monday, with Carbondale, Fairfield and Mount Carmel in the path of totality. The eclipse will reach totality around 1:58 PM in Carbondale, last about four minutes, and end completely at 2:06 PM in Fairfield and Mount Carmel.
For more information about the solar eclipse and safety tips, residents can access additional resources through the NBC Chicago app. It’s important for everyone in Illinois to take necessary precautions before witnessing this once-in-a-lifetime event on April 8th 2024.
