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Staff Reports
The Dripping Springs City Council has officially approved a disaster declaration for the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8 .
The declaration, passed at the regular City Council meeting on March 19, comes as part of comprehensive preparations to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and visitors during the celestial event. The ec lip se itself, expected to cast Dripping Springs into darkness for approximately three minutes, promises to be a once-in-alifetime experience.
While the city does not anticipate any significant issues, enacting a disaster declaration in advance of the event activates the city’s Emergency Management team and authorizes more aid if needed. It allows Dripping Springs to streamline decisionmaking, access additional resources, and coordinate emergency response efforts to effectively address any needs we may have.
The declaration helps emphasize the importance of preparedness and collaboration in ensuring a smooth and safe eclipse viewing experience. The declaration includes the following:
• Ensures Dripping Springs Emergency Management can plan and authorize the furnishing of aid and assistance and authorizes Dripping Springs to take any actions necessary to promote life, safety and infrastructure protection should there be a need.
• States that city offices other than essential services will not be open on April 8, including building inspections and permits and planning reviews, encouraging the cessation of construction activities on that day.
• Requires property owners and entities having events in conjunction with the eclipse with 50 or more people within the city limits to register that event at drippingeclipse. com/events.
• Encourages all residents to be mindful of the increased traffic, ensure all vehicles are filled with fuel the week leading up to this event, ensure sufficient groceries and supplies are purchased well in advance and to take all cautionary measures to ensure the safety of all persons and animals in their car.
'We are so excited about this awe-inspiring celestial event, and it is going to be amazing. But it is also imperative that we prioritize the safety and well-being of our community,' said Emergency Management Coordinator Roman Baligad. 'The city has been proactive in planning for this event for two years, and we are prepared. Through that proactive planning and concerted efforts, we are committed to making the eclipse viewing experience both memorable and secure for all.'
The Texas State Guard will also be using the eclipse event for their annual training. The Soldiers of the Texas State Guard, 3rd Battalion 6th Brigade, are partnering with the Hays County Emergency Management team and Dripping Springs Emergency Management to provide support in traffic control and communications during the eclipse. With many expected to visit and travel through Dripping Springs to witness the celestial spectacle, the Texas State Guard will help align resources to contribute to the success of this big event.
The entire declaration is available online at cityofdripp ingsprings.com/ site-home/news/city council-continuesp repare-historiceclipse-event. For the latest updates and information, visit the city’s official eclipse website at drippingeclipse. com. For questions, email eclipse@ cityofdrippingsprings. com or call (512) 8584725.
