FAQs & Tips for Residents!
The eclipse begins Monday, April 8, 2024, at 12:16 pm - that's when the partial eclipse starts here in Dripping Springs. The totality starts in Dripping Springs at 1:34pm and lasts for 3 minutes. The eclipse totally ends at 2:57pm. What can you do to prepare? Check out our tips for residents below. And check back later for Frequently Asked Questions!
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Tips for Residents:
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Traffic will be heavy and lines for local services such as restaurants, gas stations, grocery and retail stores may be longer than usual; do what you can ahead of time before the anticipated impact days and allow for extra time to get where you need to go.
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Things to consider doing in advance to make life a little easier during the heaviest congestion periods:
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Errands & Appointments: Schedule your errands and appointments early, before Thursday the 4th if possible. Check ahead if you have plans for Monday the 8th; some services may be closed or have limited hours during this time. By scheduling your errands early, you will beat the crowds and give our local stores and businesses time to restock before the eclipse visitors arrive; this includes grocery shopping, doctor/dentist/veterinary appointments, prescriptions, etc.
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Supplies: Overall, supplies may be limited due to the high demand; which may mean the items you want are not available during the impact days. If there is something important you want, get it early.
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Gas: If you normally fill up your gas tank Friday – Monday, be sure to do that task early, before Thursday, April 4th.
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Cash: If you regularly use cash or want some on hand, consider visiting your local bank or ATM before Thursday, April 4th.
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911: Know when it is appropriate to call 911 (true emergencies) and have the non-emergency phone number for your local Dispatch Center programmed into your phone ahead of time.
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Cellular Service: With the increased number of visitors, local public safety officials anticipate cellular service may become overwhelmed (primarily Monday the 8th) or have limited access during the impact days. Consider these ideas to assist with communications during this time:
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Develop a communication plan with family and friends if you lose or have limited service.
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If you only have a mobile phone at home find out which of your neighbors have a land-line number in case you need to call 911 for an emergency.
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Individual/Family Emergency Plans: Consider the eclipse event a drill to check your emergency kits and emergency plans. If you do not have a kit or have not talked about your emergency plans, now is a great time to do so. Make sure family members and friends know your plans.
