WJAC — Local leaders say the impacts of the solar eclipse April 8th, reach both nationally and locally, including in schools. “We felt mostly a safety issue, to allow students, staff, and bus drivers to get off the road, during the solar eclipse.” says Bald Eagle Area School District superintendent, Curt Whitesel.
Select school faculty at the Altoona Area School District say they are surprised that other districts are dismissing early; considering the fact that the eclipse will happen after most schools in our area let out.
“Me personally, I still love the fact that we are dismissing early, because it means a lot more people are going to have safe access to a once in a lifetime opportunity.” says James Krug, with the Altoona Area School District.
Business experts say people traveling through our area to see the solar eclipse provide another opportunity.
“Here in town, maybe people will be coming through, and if they do, we hope that is a good thing for our hotels, restaurants. We’re always happy to have people come visit our city, and if the eclipse is what brings them here, that would be fabulous.” Amy Bradley, with the Cambria Regional Chamber of Commerce says.
Select cell providers, in our area, say they’re preparing for an expected escalation in data traffic, from visitors.
PennDOT says the Shapiro administration is also sharing resources for visitors. They advise the public to plan ahead, be alert, wear proper solar viewing glasses, and turn on your headlights if driving, when the sky turns dim. They add you should pull completely off the road before trying to view the eclipse.
I reached out to local organizations, asking if they’re selling solar glasses. They have not responded to me yet. According to retailers, solar glasses can be found in stores, including Walmart and Best Buy.
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