Increased traffic & interruptions in cell service top list of concerns
Hamilton County’s cities and towns are encouraging local businesses to adequately prepare for the Total Solar Eclipse on Monday, April 8. The celestial event will attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to the area, impacting businesses across the county.
Buckner
“The Total Solar Eclipse presents a unique opportunity for businesses to engage with the community and visitors,” said Sarah Buckner, head of Hamilton County’s eclipse local organizing committee and assistant director of community engagement for Hamilton County Tourism. “Proper planning is essential to ensure a smooth experience for everyone involved.”
For businesses planning to close operations for the day, it is crucial to implement safeguards for parking lots, buildings, and other spaces. With people expected to park, camp, and gather to witness the eclipse, security measures will be critical.
For those choosing to maintain normal operating hours, businesses need to consider the influx in visitors to the area. An increase in tourists could require more supplies, cause potential delays in delivery of product, and create a need for additional staffing or alternative shift changes.
“Additionally, businesses should anticipate potential disruptions to internet and cell service, which may cause slowdowns or render some networks unusable,” Buckner warned. “Traffic may also become an issue for your employees, so if you can, you might consider having them work from home and postponing in-person meetings.”
Businesses eager to engage with the public during the eclipse are encouraged to sell eclipse merchandise, decorate storefronts, and offer special eclipse-related deals. Businesses should also consider updating their operating hours on Google and secure appropriate eye protection for any staff working outside during the eclipse.
To learn more about the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse and its impact on Hamilton County, visit VisitHamiltonCounty.com/Eclipse.