WACO, Texas — Time is running down and anticipation is building for April 8, the day of the total solar eclipse. Central Texas organizations are working to ensure the community is informed and prepared for all that will come with totality.
The Cen-Tex African American Chamber of Commerce hosted an informational session on April 2 at the Doris Miller Community Center. They invited the public to come out and learn information from members of the Central Texas Astronomical Society and the emergency management coordinator for Waco and McLennan County.
"We're hoping your takeaway is that you'll feel more informed, you'll go away with some insightful information -- maybe that you didn't know or didn't realize before," said Jocelyn Williams, the Center of Business Excellence Coordinator for the Centex African American Chamber of Commerce.
Williams said she's heard mixed emotions about the eclipse happening in Central Texas from the community and that's why it was important for her, along with the chamber, to host the informational session.
"We want the community to really be informed about all that they're going to go through, what's going to be happening here in Waco over the next several days and that includes being prepared whether you go outside of your home to be part of the eclipse or you are coming to one of the events that we are having," Williams added.
Members of the Central Texas Astronomical Society explained to those who attended what makes the total solar eclipse so unique for the area, when people could potentially remove their eclipse safety viewing glasses and how other objects, like planets, would be visible during totality.
Ryan Dirker, the emergency management coordinator for Waco and McLennan County, provided some perspective on how they've been pre-planning for all the implications that might come with being in totality.
Dirker said he is anticipating visitors from more than 100 different countries around the world, and this is an opportunity that is challenging -- but worthwhile.
"Lots of different folks from all around the world are going to be coming in to share our space with us and I think it's a really great opportunity for us to share all the great things about our community that we already know, but people may not," Dirker added. "We're lucky enough to live in a time where we get to experience it right here in our backyard. We didn't have to go anywhere."
Dirker also addressed security measures, cell service and hotel bookings. Dirker said they've been looking at the total solar eclipse from an emergency management standpoint with city partners for about seven or eight months. He said a lot remains uncertain, but he knows traffic is definitely going to be a mess on major thoroughfares.
"I think the most likely things are gonna be traffic impacts," Dirker said. "So on Monday, particularly Monday afternoon, if you don't have a place to be -- stay home. If you're going to be at one of the events, stay there. Avoid the major thoroughfares, especially Interstate 35. It could be a bit of a mess."
The Cen-Tex African American Chamber of Commerce is hosting events for eclipse day and the weekend leading up to it. For more information about their events, click here.
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