Photo via Pixabay

Photo via Pixabay

Across the country, government agencies are preparing their fleets for the Great American Eclipse, a rare event where, depending on your location, the moon will totally or partially block out the sun.

In areas where a total eclipse is scheduled, government agencies are prepared for an influx in tourists hoping to catch the two to three minutes of near-total darkness.

Corvallis, Oregon, one of the first cities in the path of totality, is working to relieve traffic congestion by offering a free shuttle service to several eclipse event sites around the city Saturday-Monday, according to a press release.  Additionally, garbage collection has been suspended the day of the eclipse.

Following the eclipse’s path, the Nebraska State Troopers (NSP) will have additional troopers on duty. NSP Aviation Support Division will also provide three aircrafts for air patrol to help monitor traffic and other safety concerns.

Similarly, Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming will have extra law enforcement and first responders stationed throughout the park before, during, and after the eclipse. However, the National Park Service is still warning of long response times for emergencies due to heavy traffic.

On the East Coast, the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) will have increased State Highway Emergency Program (SHEP) vehicles on highways and primary routs to assist motorists. The responders help with minor vehicle repairs, assist with traffic control, and aid with traffic incident management.

SCDOT maintenance vehicles will also be on patrol to provide phones to motorists who find themselves stranded and in need of a tow truck.

All locations along the eclipse’s path of totality are encouraging locals and tourists stay off the roadways during the eclipse for safety reasons and to make way for emergency vehicles.

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