Texas Judge Urges Pet Owners To Prep Their Pets for the Eclipse

As the total solar eclipse casts its shadow across the country on April 8, one Texas judge is urging pet owners to prep their furry friends for the potentially stressful event.

With crowds of eclipse chasers expected to descend on the area, Judge Kelly issued a disaster declaration to ready the county for the influx of people that could overwhelm hospitals and grocery stores.

Texas Judge Issues Disaster Declaration Ahead of Solar Eclipse

Judge Rob Kelly issued a disaster declaration for Kerr County in advance of the total solar eclipse on April 8.

With thousands of visitors expected to descend upon the small county of 53,000, Judge Kelly urged residents to prepare for congested roads, strained resources, and possible shortages.

Plan For Pets Before Eclipse

Judge Kelly singled out pet owners in his warning, encouraging them to stock up on food, medication, and other essential supplies for their animals at least a week before the eclipse.

“I encourage you to stay off the roads and at home, if possible, on the day of the event,” Judge Kelly said. “Also, in the week preceding the event, I would encourage you to make sure your vehicles are tanked up, that you have sufficient grocery supplies, that your prescriptions are filled, and that you are stocked up on provisions for any animals in your care for eclipse weekend.”

Schools Take Precaution

Many schools in the path of totality, including those in Hays County, will close for the day of the eclipse.

Though Hays schools had originally planned to stay open and provide students with viewing glasses, they have now decided to distribute the glasses ahead of time along with “fun activities and assignments for Eclipse Day” for students to complete at home.

Total Solar Eclipse Path Will Cross Multiple States

The path of totality for the upcoming total solar eclipse will pass through multiple U.S. states, allowing millions of Americans to witness this spectacular celestial event.

The moon’s shadow will first make landfall in Mexico before continuing north into Texas. From there, the path of totality will cross Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.

Preparations Underway for a State of Emergency

Some counties along the path of totality, like Kerr County, Texas, have already declared a state of disaster in anticipation of the huge influx of visitors.

The disaster declaration will allow the county to request additional resources from the state if needed.

A Rare Spectacle Not to Miss

The total solar eclipse is a spectacle not to be missed. For a few brief minutes, the moon will completely block out the sun, turning day into night.

That’s why millions of people from around the country and even the world are expected to flock to the path of totality to witness this extraordinary event.

Why the Judge Is Concerned About the Eclipse Influx

The influx of visitors for the solar eclipse is worrying Judge Kelly and other Texas officials. Kelly wants pet owners to be ready to care for their animals during this time, as resources may become strained.

With thousands of tourists descending upon the area, Judge Kelly fears the county’s infrastructure could become overwhelmed.

Safety Concerns With Huge Crowds Coming In

Emergency responders may become stretched thin, and it could take longer for help to arrive in the event of an accident or emergency.

Kelly suggests staying off the roads if possible during the eclipse to avoid traffic and allow emergency vehicles to respond quickly.

How Other Counties Are Preparing for the Eclipse

Hays County originally planned to remain open, even providing students with viewing glasses, but recently decided to close schools due to safety concerns.

According to Tim Savoy, spokesperson for the Hays school district, “Glasses will now be sent home with students, along with fun activities and assignments for eclipse day.”

Other States Are Also Stocking Up on Essentials

As Judge Kelly recommended, other counties are advising residents to prepare by stocking up on essentials before the eclipse.

Emergency management departments across the state are urging people to fill up their gas tanks, refill any prescriptions, and buy extra food, water, and supplies for their pets.

Governments Working on Promoting Safety

They are working with emergency management teams and law enforcement to coordinate emergency response plans, control traffic, and provide security.

By preparing in advance, promoting awareness about safety and resources, and temporarily closing schools and government offices, counties hope to minimize risks and keep people and pets safe during this exciting celestial event.

What Viewing the Eclipse Will Be Like in Texas

As the moon passes in front of the sun, blocking its light, day will turn into night for a few minutes. The sky will darken, the temperature will drop, and stars will become visible in the middle of the day.

The sun’s corona, its outer atmosphere, will be visible around the blackened moon. It’s an eerie experience being plunged into darkness in the middle of the day.

The Sun’s Corona

The sun’s corona extends millions of miles into space but is normally obscured by the bright light from the sun’s surface.

Prominences, geysers of hot gas erupting from the sun’s surface, may also be seen shooting out from the corona.

Animals React

Animals often react to the midday darkness and drop in temperature. Birds will stop singing and often roost.

Other animals may prepare for nighttime behaviors like finding shelter or food. Domestic animals like dogs and cats may seem confused by the change in daylight and routine.