Texas county issues disaster declaration for solar eclipse. Will more counties follow suit?
The whole of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, home to around 7 million people, falls into the path of totality, according to the Great American Eclipse website. Around 12 million Texans in total will have optimal viewing of the eclipse — more than in any other U.S. state.
Over 20 Texas school districts have canceled April 8 classes in anticipation of the natural phenomenon. Eclipse-themed events are planned throughout the state, for locals and tourists alike. This includes the Vampire Weekend show in Austin, where the New York City rock band is scheduled to perform during the eclipse.
Due to the intense interest around the April 8 solar eclipse and the flooding of tourists expected, some Texas counties and cities are considering measures to ensure the safety of their residents. Bell County is among the first to take action.
Bell County issues disaster declaration ahead of solar eclipse 2024
Bell County has declared a local state of disaster ahead of the Great American Eclipse on Monday, April 8. The county of about 400,000 is one of several Texas counties that lie in the path of totality.
Path of Totality: What is the path of the 2024 solar eclipse in Texas? See interactive map
"The Solar Eclipse event is expected to double the population of Bell County several days prior to and the day of leading to extreme traffic congestion, strains on first responders, hospitals, food, grocery, and fuel shortages, along with local infrastructure," a statement on Bell County's website says. "In order to protect the health, safety, and welfare of both residents and visitors, Bell County has determined that extraordinary measures must be taken in the form of a local disaster declaration."
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The emergency declaration will require all private property landowners in unincorporated areas to register with Bell County if they plan to host events with more than 50 people. This includes property owners hosting, renting, or leasing space between April 4-8, 2024.
The Eclipse Private Gathering Form requires the following information:
Site plans showing the layout of the event
Clearly marked number of dry camping spaces and parking
Ingress and Egress routes in and out of the property
Prove adequate bathroom sites
Prove adequate waste disposal systems
Prove adequate wastewater solutions to those with RV/Travel trailer black tanks
Prove adequate bathroom facilities to primitive/tent campers
Obtain and provide approval from Bell County Public Health District if food will be served or the use of food trucks will be used to feed those you are hosting
Designate routes in and out for First Responders Emergency vehicles
Where is Bell County, Texas?
Bell County is located in Central Texas and just north of Austin.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Bell County, Texas issues emergency declaration for solar eclipse 2024
