MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
MEBrady@co.pg.md.us @PGFDPIO
Next week any person within Prince George’s County should be
able to witness a partial solar eclipse, weather permitting. NASA’s website stated; “A solar eclipse
is one of nature’s grandest spectacles.” There are parts of the
country that will be able to witness a total eclipse of the sun; however,
within the National Capital Region we will be able to see a partial eclipse. Regardless of where you choose to witness the
solar eclipse we ask that you do so safely.
The men and women of the Prince George’s County Fire and
Emergency Medical Services Department; civilian, career and volunteer, want you
to be able to view this “grand spectacle” and to do so safely. We offer these simple safety tips so you can
continue to talk about this event for years to come.
On Monday, August 21, the eclipse will occur between 1:00 pm
until 4:00 pm. The ideal viewing time for
Prince George’s County is between 2:35 pm until 2:50 pm with the maximum cover (81%)
occurring at 2:42 pm.
- Protect your eyesight. You should never look directly into the sun at any time and this includes during the solar eclipse. Viewing without the appropriate protection could damage your eyesight for the rest of your life. The only safe way to look directly at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun is through special-purpose solar filters, such as “eclipse glasses” or hand-held solar viewers.
- NEVER WEAR “ECLIPSE GLASSES” WHILE DRIVING
- Do not park on the shoulder of roads to watch the eclipse. Utilize parking lots or open areas to stop your vehicle, turn your vehicle off and observe from a safe location. Drive defensively and be keenly aware of other motorists and pedestrians. Knowing the optimum viewing times - plan ahead. Distracted driving during the eclipse is just one area of high concern for public safety agencies.
- Pedestrians should stay clear of all roadways while observing the eclipse. Select an area void of any vehicular traffic and use extreme caution if walking or biking on or near roads. Distracted pedestrians and bicyclists are also a concern for all public safety agencies.
For additional information including eclipse glasses and
other safety tips visit NASA
Eclipse Safety Tips.
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