JOINT ECLIPSE INFORMATION RELEASE FROM TETON COUNTY, CITY OF TETONIA, CITY OF DRIGGS, AND CITY OF VICTOR

All of Teton County, Idaho will experience a total eclipse of the sun on August 21, 2017 at approximately 11:30am. The event is likely to attract a large influx of visitors to the Teton County region. August is Teton County’s prime vacation season so we expect all local resources to be near maximum capacity prior to and immediately after the eclipse. Visitors are expected to arrive in Teton County days before the eclipse, likely beginning on Thursday August 17 through Tuesday August 22. It is best to arrive early, come prepared, and have reasonable expectations.

TIPS TO ENSURE A SAFE AND ENJOYABLE TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE EXPERIENCE

EMERGENCIES
● CALL 9-1-1 IN AN EMERGENCY (but only in an emergency!)
● 911 will be overwhelmed; expect longer response times due to congestion and limited resources.
● Cell phone and internet networks may be overloaded; if you can’t make a cellular call, try using a landline or send a text message. 911 does NOT receive text messages.
● If you cannot get a phone line in an emergency, go to the nearest fire station, law enforcement center, or posted information station (Station 1 in Driggs: 911 N. HWY 33, Station 2 in Victor: 60 Elm Street, Fire Station 3 in Tetonia, 3204 Perry Ave. Law Enforcement Center in Driggs, 230 N. Main St.)
● Teton Valley Health Care (Hospital) in Driggs will be open 24/7 (120 E. Howard, 208-354-2383) along with local medical clinics in Driggs and Victor open Thurs. – Wed. 9 am – 6 pm.
● Tune into local radio stations (KID AM 590, FM 106.3, KID FM 102.1, FM 104.5) for eclipse information and emergency updates (especially if phones and internet go down).
o KID AM 590 is always accessible no matter what the situation, power outage, etc.
o Also, log on to kidnewsradio.com for eclipse updates.

ECLIPSE INFORMATION LINE (non emergency): 208-354-8791
● The Eclipse Information Line will be taking calls from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm beginning Thursday August 17 through Tuesday August 22.
● Please use this phone line for any non-emergency inquiries or to report anything of concern

FIRE PREVENTION
● BURN BAN IS IN EFFECT. NO OPEN FIRES ALLOWED FOR ANY REASON. VIOLATORS WILL BE PROSECUTED
● Fire danger will likely be high
● Fireworks are prohibited
● Do not drive or park cars over dry vegetation
● Call 911 immediately if you see a fire or accidentally start one

ACCOMMODATIONS:
● Arrange accommodations prior to arrival; lodging will be limited
● Camping is not allowed or available in city or county parks or fairgrounds
● Campsites and RV sites may be available at permitted campgrounds on private land
● A list of permitted campsites and their contact information can be found at www.tetoncountyidaho.gov under the Eclipse link on the homepage.
● RV dump stations are very limited, as is water for RV and large container fill-ups
● Public showers are not available anywhere in Teton County
● NO CAMPING IN CITY PARKS OR PARKING LOTS

PREPAREDNESS
● ISO Certified eclipse glasses are needed in order to view the eclipse safely (sunglasses aren’t enough) Look for ISO certification on each pair of glasses.
● Have an Emergency Preparedness Kit and a Personal Emergency Plan; make sure family members or friends know your schedule, when you are expected to return and your plan if something happens.
● If you plan to view the eclipse from a remote place, check the local weather forecast and make sure you have sufficient sunscreen, water, food, a hat, toilet paper, and first-aid supplies.
● Be prepared to take care of yourself in the August heat and if a thunderstorm should develop.
● Residents – Have extra food, water, cash and gas by Wednesday (8/18) to avoid crowds. Try to view the eclipse from home or work as travel will be challenging.
● Travelers – Plan ahead and expect delays, keep a full tank of gas, and make sure to have extra food, drinking water and first-aid supplies in your vehicle.

TRAFFIC AND PARKING
● NO PARKING ON ANY STATE HIGHWAYS (HWY 31, HWY 32 and HWY 33)
● Obey all road closures and traffic signs.
● Traffic may become overwhelming and make it difficult to travel.
● Share roadways/highways with emergency vehicles and be conscious of heavy bicycle traffic. Use designated parking areas when possible
● No ATV/UTV’s permitted on pathways, city streets, or parks.
● Please respect private property (ask for permission; don’t trespass)
● If you pull over to view the eclipse on a county road, do not park in or near dry vegetation (fire hazard)

WASTE MANAGEMENT
● RV waste disposal is very limited (as is water for RV or container fill-ups)
● Public portable toilets will be available along major highways and at select trailheads
● Pick up all trash and take it with you when or deposit in designated public garbage cans
● Recycling is available at the Teton County transfer station (closed Sunday and Monday)
● Please enjoy yourself but don’t trash our community!

GOVERNMENT OFFICES
● Most government offices will be closed on 8/21/17

FOR ECLIPSE UPDATES FOLLOW:

Teton County: tetoncountyidaho.gov & facebook.com/tetoncountyidaho
City of Driggs: driggsidaho.org & facebook.com/driggsidaho
City of Victor: victorcityidaho.com & facebook.com/cityofvictor
City of Tetonia: tetoniaidaho.com & facebook.com/cityof Tetonia