Niagara Falls, Canada, has declared a state of emergency ahead of the total solar eclipse on Monday April 8, 2024.

“On April 8, all of Niagara will be one of the best places in Canada to view the total solar eclipse, and thousands of visitors are expected to come to our region to see it,” the Niagara Region stated in a press release.

“In order to make sure Niagara is prepared to accommodate this once-in-a-lifetime event, and out of an abundance of caution, Regional Chair Jim Bradley proactively declared a State of Emergency for Niagara Region under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA), effective today, March 28,” it continued.

“Niagara Falls has prematurely issued a state of emergency ahead of the solar eclipse on April 8th. The total solar eclipse will be the first to touch the province since 1979 — and Niagara Falls has been declared one of the best places to see it,” Breakfast Television wrote.

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According to the New York Post, the region anticipates possibly one million visitors for the eclipse.

From the New York Post:

The Ontario side of the falls has started to prepare for the expected influx in visitors coming to see the total social eclipse in early April.

The famous falls have been listed by National Geographic as one of the best places to see the eclipse – a phenomena not seen in the area since 1979. The city is within the path where the moon will entirely block the sun for a few minutes.

Mayor Jim Diodati estimated the city would see the most visitors in a single day on April 8 with an estimated 1 million expected. On average, the city see 14 million visit per year.

The state of emergency, which was announced Thursday, will allow the city to execute additional planning to help prepare for traffic jams, cell phone network overloads, and a higher need for emergency services, and more.

The emergency was declared “out of an abundance of caution,” according to The Telegraph.

“The spotlight will be on Niagara as thousands of visitors join us to share in this once-in-a-lifetime event, and we will be ready to shine,” said Jim Bradley, Niagara Region chairman, according to the outlet.

Cont. from the press release:

Residents and visitors to Niagara are welcome to safely enjoy the eclipse on April 8, and Niagara’s local governments, emergency responders, schools and other organizations have been working together with the Province and other key partners to make that possible. Declaring a State of Emergency under the EMCPA strengthens the tools the Region has at its disposal to safeguard the health and safety of residents and visitors and protect our critical infrastructure in any scenario that might arise.

Visit Niagara Region’s website for tips on how you and your loved ones can experience the eclipse safely:

  • Make sure you wear only ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses; don’t use damaged glasses, regular sunglasses, or do-it-yourself filters
  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines. Consider filling up your gas tank, getting groceries and running errands before the eclipse
  • Follow local directives and road signage as you travel on April 8. While travelling on highways, don’t stop, take pictures, or get out of your car to view the eclipse.
  • Most Niagara schools will be closed on April 8. Have a childcare plan in place, and make sure children know how to view the eclipse safely.

Niagara Region will be modifying some of its programs and services and closing some facilities to keep traffic off the roads on April 8. More details will be posted to the Region’s website and social media channels.

 

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