CENTRAL, Texas — As thousands prepare to head to Central Texas so they can experience the solar eclipse in totality on April 8, many cities are taking preemptive measures to ensure any emergency situation can be met with swift response.
Here is a list of which Central Texas cities and counties have declared a Local State of Disaster:
Killeen
The City of Killeen declared a local state of disaster at a press conference on Tuesday, April 2.
According to the City, this declaration will allow disaster response teams to mobilize in the event that that they are needed to carry out emergency operation plans. The City is expecting a massive influx of visitors during the days leading up to and the day of the Solar Eclipse.
For updates and to view the entire press conference, visit here.
Temple
The City of Temple issued a Disaster Declaration at a City Council meeting on Thursday, April 4.
According to the City, this declaration will last from April 5 through April 9. In addition to the declaration, all city facilities will be closed on Monday, April 8 and residential garbage collections will be paused.
To view the full declaration, visit here.
Copperas Cove
The City of Copperas Cove Mayor Dan D. Yancey issued a Disaster Declaration on Thursday, April 4.
According to the city, this declaration has already taken effect and will stay in effect through April 11. The city says these are proactive measures to mitigate any negative effects of the solar eclipse.
To view the entire declaration, visit here.
Coryell County
Coryell County Judge Roger Miller made a Declaration of Local Disaster on Thursday, April 4.
According to the Coryell County Sheriff's Office, this declaration will go into effect on Saturday, April 6 at 6 a.m. and it will not go beyond seven days.
To view the entire declaration, visit here.
Bell County
Bell County Judge David Blackburn issued an Emergency Declaration for April 8 back in February.
Blackburn explained, "The eclipse event has the potential to create such a state of emergency in Bell County." He says that this declaration would help facilitate State assistance in the area.
The declaration also requires that property owners in the unincorporated properties of Bell County register with Bell County Emergency Management Office if they expect to host an event with 50 or more people.
To view the entire declaration, visit here.
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