Solar Eclipse Safety a Top Priority in Fort Erie

MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Being prepared, being safe and being part of a cosmic experience

FORT ERIE (March 14, 2024) - On Monday, April 8, 2024, Fort Erie and the Niagara Region will experience a Total Solar Eclipse. The eclipse will move northeast across North America and pass directly over Fort Erie. During the eclipse, the moon will cover the sun, causing the sky to darken for 3 minutes and 46 seconds, making Fort Erie a top viewing location. This once-in-a-lifetime event has not been seen in Niagara since 1925 and will not return to Niagara until 2144. The Town of Fort Erie and its partners are engaged in extensive emergency and event planning to ensure a safe experience for the highly anticipated volume of visitors leading up to and including the day of the event.

Restrictions during the Solar Eclipse

The following restrictions will be implemented in Fort Erie: 

• Fire Ban will be in effect from Friday, April 5, until Tuesday, April 9.
• Illegal Camping will be strictly enforced from Thursday, April 4, until Tuesday, April 9.
• Illegal Parking will be strictly enforced, with vehicles being towed (if required).
• Boating is being highly discouraged due to potentially difficult water rescue.

Closures

The following closures will be in effect on April 8, 2024:

• Town of Fort Erie Town Hall
• Crystal Beach Waterfront Park
• Fort Erie Public Libraries
• All Boat Ramps and access to launching boats will be closed to discourage being on the water

Road Closures

• Point Abino Road South at Erie Road
• Crystal Beach Waterfront Park. Ridgeway Road will be closed at Crystal Beach Drive (before the Millington Skyway) and closed at Crystal Beach Drive & Lake Avenue intersection.

Safely Viewing the Eclipse

Fort Erie Fire Department encourages residents to prepare in advance and enjoy the experience safely. Assemble your 72-hour emergency kit, fill your vehicle with fuel, do your shopping in advance and be prepared. With the unusually high volume of visitors expected, cellular and wireless disruptions and potential outages are possible and prolonged traffic congestion is likely to occur.

We encourage residents to view the eclipse from their property or a neighbourhood viewing site to avoid potential traffic delays. Visitors are being directed to several designated viewing areas that have been established throughout Fort Erie:

• Bay Beach
• Ferndale Park
• Optimist Park
• Crystal Ridge Park (at the arena/library)
• Waverly Beach
• Stevensville Hall/Library/Park
• Leisureplex (main parking lot only)

"Town of Fort Erie staff and emergency personnel have been preparing for over a year in anticipation of the total solar eclipse event coming on April 8^th. We are working closely with area partners: Niagara Regional Police, Niagara Parks Police, Ontario Provincial Police, the Niagara Region Emergency Team, Canadian Niagara Power, Canadian Border Services, Niagara municipalities, residents and local businesses to ensure everyone is prepared for a safe day. Due to high visitation, we will activate a fire ban, parking and camping restrictions and encourage boaters to stay off the water.”  – Mark Schmitt –Fire Chief, Fort Erie Fire Department.

Where can I get Solar Eclipse Viewing Glasses?

Solar eclipse viewing glasses are available at Fort Erie Town Hall and the three Fort Erie Public Libraries at no charge (but donations are being accepted in exchange for glasses). Fort Erie Solar Eclipse glasses are not for resale and are limited to Fort Erie residents and members of your household only.

Safely Using Solar Eclipse Glasses

• Always inspect your solar filter/glasses before use; discard it if scratched, punctured, torn, or otherwise damaged. Read and follow the instructions printed on or packaged with the filter/glasses.
• Stand still and cover your eyes with your eclipse glasses or solar viewer before looking up at the Sun. After looking at the Sun, turn away and remove your filter/glasses — do not remove them while looking at the Sun.
• Always supervise children using solar filters/glasses.
• Do not look at the uneclipsed, partially eclipsed, or annularly eclipsed Sun through an unfiltered camera, telescope, binoculars, or other optical device.
• If you usually wear eyeglasses, keep them on. You can put your eclipse glasses on over them.
• Do not look at the Sun through an unfiltered camera, telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device while using your eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewer in front of your eyes — the concentrated solar rays could damage the filter and enter your eyes, causing severe injury.
• Seek expert advice before using a solar filter with a camera, telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device; note that specialized solar filters must be attached to any telescope, binoculars, camera lens, or other optics. 

Solar Eclipse Photo Download

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Kevin Beauchamp
Manager, Communications
905-871-1600

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