Vancouver, Wash. – Though not in the path of totality, Clark County will experience a substantial eclipse mid-morning on Monday, Aug. 21.

“The most important thing to remember is to protect your eyes,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Public Health director and Health Officer. “It might be tempting to steal quick glances at the sun, especially as the eclipse nears totality, but even quick glances can cause lasting damage to your vision.”

Ordinary sunglasses don’t provide enough protection for direct sun viewing. If you plan to look at the eclipse, wear solar filter glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 requirement. To find legitimate vendors for eclipse glasses, visit the American Astronomical Society website at https://eclipse.aas.org/resources/solar-filters.  

Weather could affect viewing in Clark County, but under clear skies, start to finish, the eclipse will last approximately 2 ½ hours. Other safety precautions include:

• Do not wear eclipse glasses while driving. They block everything except the sun.
• Check traffic before you leave; expect heavy traffic as eclipse watchers attempt to reach viewing locations. Many tourists visiting Oregon’s path of totality will travel through Clark County.
• Be prepared for distracted drivers.
• Drive with your lights on during the eclipse. The sky will darken to dusk in Clark County and be darker in the path of totality.

The expected influx of a million visitors to Oregon is sure to create heavy traffic in the region and could last for several days before and after the eclipse. Motorists are encouraged to prepare for long delays and ensure they have a full tank of gas, food, water and other emergency supplies in their vehicles.

For more information, go to:

www.nasa.gov/content/eye-safety-during-a-total-solar-eclipse

www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/PREPAREDNESS/CURRENTHAZARDS/Pages/eclipse.aspx

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CONTACT
Alan Melnick
Health Officer
Public Health
360.397.8412
alan.melnick@clark.wa.gov