The City of St. Joseph is offering tips for those who plan to camp out for the Total Solar Eclipse.
The Health Department, as part of a eclipse preparation series, tackled camping out over the Aug. 21 Total Solar Eclipse. The department said camping during the eclipse won’t differ from camping at any other time of the year except for the anticipated volume of campers. Several camp sites in the area have been set up for the weekend prior to the eclipse.
“As you make lists of things you’ll need, keep in mind the conditions you’ll face during the eclipse weekend. Bring more than enough food, water, sunscreen, insect repellent, and other supplies. Plan to be out in the heat for extended periods of time, and understand there will most likely be many other people around you. Traffic is likely to be heavy and a trip to the store to stock up on supplies or pick up a forgotten item could be a challenge. Cell phone and internet service could be spotty,” the department stated.
The department’s suggested list of items includes:
- A tent or camper
- Sleeping bag, mat, or air mattress and pump
- Food preparation items – cooking utensils, coolers, etc.
- A first aid kit should include bandages, antiseptic wipes, sterile gauze pads and tape, antibiotic ointment, acetaminophen and ibuprofen, aspirin, tweezers, plastic non‐latex gloves, disposable instant cold packs, calamine lotion, alcohol wipes, and a first aid manual
- Lots of water: individual bottles, gallon jugs, even non‐potable water for rinsing dishes, clothes or feet
- Insect repellent and sunscreen, and use them regularly. Tick‐borne illnesses across the Nation are on the increase.
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- A pair of sandals you can slip on to do what you would normally do barefoot at home
- Towels: Paper towels, hand towels, body towels, old grubby clean‐up‐the‐dog‐towels
- Four trash can liners: One for trash, one for dirty clothes, one for wet clothes (and towels), and one for all the stuff you missed when you’re packing up the car to leave
- Toiletries: a toothbrush, soap, deodorant, toilet paper, other personal hygiene items
- Prescription medications
For information on camping sites around the area over the Solar Eclipse CLICK HERE.