On April 8th, 2024 the State of Ohio will be the center of attention, not only in the United States but the whole World, as the Total Solar Eclipse occurs after 3:00pm, and will last the longest period of time of any state in the United States. It is being estimated that the population of Ohio could nearly double, with the amount of people coming from other state and other countries. That’s right twice the number of people from all walks of life, and that includes right here in, Paulding County! We are estimating 5,000 to 8,000 additional people that day. 70 percent of the United States population lives within a one day’s drive of Ohio.
The Paulding County Emergency Management Agency has been planning for this event since September of 2022. There is already a task force of county leaders that are working on making the once in a lifetime event be a success and more importantly, as safe as possible. Some of the areas of concern are; established locations for view, managing the increase in traffic, having enough food, refreshments and fuel on hand for the weekend. Organization of businesses and retail, including merchandising of items to remember the event by, Paulding County’s EMA Director, Edward Bohn stated.
First Responders, Fire, EMS the Sheriff’s Office and the Paulding County Hospital are coordinating efforts to provide service throughout the entire weekend. Schools will be taking part in the special occasion, with the teachers planning activities leading up to the eclipse and discussions following it as well. The State of Ohio has a statewide taskforce in place and has been in contact with a number of state and federal agencies to gear up for the overwhelming number of people, Director Bohn said.
The mayors of the eleven villages are deciding on locations for viewing in Paulding County. We hope to have those locations established in January. We are encouraging organizations, clubs, sports teams, to establish fundraising ideas. Anyone thinking about serving food and beverages, can get with the Paulding County Health Department, and find out what the recommendation will be to have food stands set up, what environmental guidelines one has to go by and so on. There will be a monthly and bi-monthly article in the Paulding Progress to keep the public informed of updated information, pertaining to the April 8th, 2024 Total Solar Eclipse.
In the meantime, we will be having two public meetings at the OSU Extension Hall, Thursday January 25th at 7:00 pm and February 22nd at 7:00pm. I will be more than happy ,if any club, organization, school, church group etc., would like a 30-minute presentation along with a Q&A, about the eclipse, they can contact EMA Director Edward Bohn, at (419)399-3500 or email the office at ema@pauldingcounty-oh.com.
—Edward Bohn Director
Paulding County EMA
