On April 8, 2024 we will have an amazing opportunity to be along the path of totality for the solar eclipse. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The event begins at 1:59pm, as a partial eclipse, and will last through 4:29pm. The total solar eclipse (totality) will be visible everywhere in Summit County from 3:13 pm-3:17 pm. Because of the high amount of traffic and visitors expected, along with predicted limited cell phone availability, Summit DD will be following advice from Summit County EMA and limiting public access to both buildings on April 8. You will be able to reach any Summit DD employee via email or phone.

Many of us might find this experience and the science behind it incredibly exciting, but for some individuals, this event could be confusing, a little frightening, and disrupting to our routines. Our team offers some suggestions for how to prepare yourself and your child for the eclipse, as well as some fun activities to do in the Summit County area while it is happening!

• We created a social story to help you prepare. Download it here.
• Watch the eclipse on NASA’s Website.
• Find safety information on Ohio Emergency Management website.
• Find viewing areas and events at Akron Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau.

How to Protect Your Eyes during the Eclipse

First and foremost: looking directly at the sun without special eye protection can cause serious damage, so always protect your family’s eyes with solar glasses if you want to directly observe the eclipse. According to space.com, there are four companies that meet NASA standards for solar glasses. These are Rainbow Symphony, American Paper Optics, Thousand Oaks Optical, and TSE 17. Your local library may also offer free eclipse glasses! It is important to note that sunglasses are not a replacement for special viewing glasses. You can find free eclipse viewing glasses at the following locations:

• All Akron Summit Public Library Branches
• Cuyahoga Falls Library
• Stow Munroe Falls Library
• City of Hudson City Hall and Police Department

How to Prepare Your Child for the Eclipse

Like any new experience or change for a child, it can be helpful to practice what you might do the day of the eclipse or to talk about what might happen. Here are some tips to help you and your child prepare:

• Introduce your child to the solar eclipse using a social story. It may be helpful to read the social story several times a few days in advance of the eclipse.
• Use a stopwatch or a timer to help your child know how much time is left in the eclipse. In most locations, the total eclipse will likely last 2-3 minutes.
• If you are using solar glasses, help your child practice wearing these glasses so that they can get used to how they feel on their face.
• Make sure you and your child are wearing sunscreen if you will be outside!
• If you are worried that being outside during the eclipse will be frightening for your child, watch the eclipse in a different way! NASA will be live-streaming the event, and your child may be more comfortable watching the eclipse inside at home.
• During the eclipse, the temperature will drop significantly and rapidly. If your family will be outside, plan on bringing an extra coat or a blanket.
• The sudden darkness during the day will likely create increased traffic. It may be helpful to either plan on staying home for the duration of the eclipse or to get to your viewing spot early. If your child has to attend camp or a school program on the day of the eclipse, you may need to warn them that the drive could be longer or you might have to drive on a different route.
• Make the experience fun! Color pictures of the sun and the moon, get a book from the library about space and the planets, or take photos of your family on the day of the eclipse. Help your child understand that this is a special and exciting day in science.
• Don’t forget about your pets. It is recommended that you keep your pets in your home with the shades closed to protect their eyes.

We hope you have a fun and enjoyable experience viewing the eclipse.