Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 16, 2017)
6 Wednesday, August 16, 2017 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon Viewing the eclipse from the water Preparing for the eclipse experience By Kym Pokorny Correspondent CORVALLIS – With the solar eclipse on the horizon, it’s time to get prepared by stocking up on glasses, food, water, gas and patience. “The number of people expected in Oregon for the Aug. 21 eclipse, especially in the path of totality, will really stretch our resources and infrastructures,” said Glenda Hyde, a family and community health educator with Oregon State University Extension Service. “There could be double or triple the population in some areas.” Predictions may fall short, but people should be ready for large crowds, possibly grid- locked traffic and runs on gro- cery stores and gas stations. In case stores close or run out of essentials, start now to stock up on food for a week, concentrating on canned and boxed goods, including shelf-stable milk alternatives. Frozen food is an option, too, but if power goes out tempo- rarily keep the freezer closed. It’s important to plan for healthy meals rather than just high-fat, high-sugar snacks. “Part of being resilient is eating healthy,” Hyde said. “And don’t eat the same thing over and over. You can get through with red beans and rice in an emergency, but your nutrition will be lacking.” If you do nothing else, don’t skimp on the special glasses needed for viewing the eclipse. “It’s essential to wear eclipse glasses whether you’re in the path of totality or on the fringe,” Hyde said. “It’s not a myth that staring into the sun can cause perma- nent eye damage.” To avoid getting counter- feits, look for ISO 12312-2 stamped on the glasses, she said, as well as one of the fol- lowing companies certified by NASA: Rainbow Symphony, American Paper Optics, Thousand Oaks Optical, TSE 17, and Baader Planetarium. Fire hazard will be extremely high so don’t park or drive on dry grass. Water plants and lawn near the house and clean up debris to create a defensible space around homes. Don’t use open flame or start campfires. Hyde also recommends: • Withdraw cash as ATMs may not work or be depleted. • Fill up the gas tank and keep it filled. • Have water on hand for three days – a gallon per per- son per day is a good goal. • If traveling, even for short distances, keep some water, food and a first aid kit in the car. A backpack will come in handy if you have to walk somewhere. • Don’t forget pets when stocking up on food. • Keep a week’s worth of medications on hand. • Cell phone towers may become overwhelmed. Make sure you can locate family members with alternative methods. Try not to stress out. Take a deep breath, relax and enjoy this special event. — Glenda Hyde “Planning and preparing will give you alternatives for situations that may arise,” Hyde said. “Try not to stress out. Take a deep breath, relax and enjoy this special event.” Viewing the solar eclipse on Monday, August 21, from the water will surely be a memorable experience. The Oregon State Marine Board, marine law enforcement and boating facility providers offer boating safety tips so that the experience is also a safe one. • Arrive early. Expect gridlock on highways and access points before, dur- ing and after the event. Once out on the water, plan to stay a while. If a boating facility is at capacity, have a backup plan for where to go. Single cars that park in boat trailer parking may be ticketed or towed. Parking on road shoulders or in the grass is discouraged due to potential fire hazards and could impede emergency responders. • Have plenty of food, water, and anchor line. It’s also highly recommended to have a port-a-potty and to take advantage of floating restrooms. Leave no trace; dispose of garbage properly. • Prep your boat ahead of time. Avoid prepping the boat at the ramp to keep the ramp clear for efficient launch- ing and retrieving for others. Paddlers are urged to use the bank to launch and retrieve. • Anchor or beach the boat during the different phases and totality. With con- gested waterways comes the increased risk of collisions. It’s best to find a good spot and stay put. If you need to be underway, go slow and be aware of what’s directly in front and to the sides of you. Expect people in float toys and wading in the water near the shoreline. • Have special viewing glasses for the eclipse and avoid looking in the sky for long periods of time. Alternate between the view- ing glasses and regular sun glasses to protect your eyes from not only the sun, but the glare off the water. • Observe all regulations, including slow/no-wake rules at boat ramps, marinas or moorages, floating-home moorages and people work- ing at water level. As an added courtesy, operate at slow/no-wake speeds within 100 feet of other boaters. All boating and night- time navigation rules apply. Running lights are required during the eclipse and anchor lights are required for power- driven boats and sailboats at anchor. Nonmotorized boats can use a flashlight or lighted lantern. It’s important to be seen during the two minutes of darkness. Law enforcement will be on the water, paying close attention to boats operating unsafely during the eclipse. The fine for unsafe boating is $465, so be patient, courte- ous, and stay on the water a while to fully enjoy this once- in-a-lifetime event. To find a boating facil- ity in the path of totality and other eclipse resources, visit http://www.oregon.gov/ OSMB/Pages/Eclipse.aspx. www.NuggetNews.com is your online source for Breaking News Brace yourself for summer! $300 $30 Discount Fo For F or the m month of August when y yo u start sta a comprehensive you trea treatment program! Not va valid with any other offer. N New Patients Only. Smile by Hailee and The Brace Place! 541-382-0410 54 410 E. C Cascade Ave., Sisters www.CentralOregonBracePlace.com Sisters Christian Academy Partnering with parents to offer children a quality Christian education for 20 years. Our highly qualifi ed and licensed teachers offer great learning opportunities for preschoolers through 8th graders, in all subjects with a Christ-centered world view. INSPIRING EXCELLENCE IN EVERY STUDENT Call to register today 541-549-4133
