A state deploys National Guard, what about Ohio?
*The above video shows the phases of a total solar eclipse*
(WJW) –In advance of Monday’s Total Solar Eclipse, Ohio officials said that on Sunday the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Emergency Management Agency, Fire Marshal’s Office, Ohio EPA and more agencies are assembling in Columbus, “to organize resources for local partners who request support,” according to the official State of Ohio website.
Meanwhile, due to an expected huge influx of visitors for the eclipse, Oklahoma has activated the National Guard. During a news conference Wednesday, state officials said National Guard members were deployed to southeast Oklahoma which is in the path of totality like the Cleveland area.
Coast Guard issues bulletin regarding Lake Erie and eclipse
The biggest concern is controlling traffic congestion in very small towns in southeast Oklahoma where the center of totality will be, just like in Ohio cities like Avon Lake.
Traffic could be especially heavy when tourists almost all leave at the sametime after the eclipse, Oklahoma officials said. The National Guard will also assist local police and first responders.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s spokesperson told Fox 8 News Wednesday that the governor’s office is following safety guidelines from the Ohio Emergency Management Agency.
The spokesperson said the Ohio EMA had not recommended activating the National Guard.
Calls to the Ohio EMA from Fox 8 News last week have not been returned.
According to the official website for the State of Ohio, DeWine activated the Ohio Emergency Operations Center in advance of Monday’s historic eclipse.
You can read DeWine’s statement on Ohio’s eclipse safety plan by clicking here.
NE Ohio astronomer: ‘I won’t drive during eclipse.’ Why?
If you’d like to read more about Oklahoma’s eclipse safety plan and to listen to Governor J. Kevin Stitts’ news conference, you can click here.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
