Dawson County EMS encourages eclipse viewers to be prepared ahead of the solar eclipse next week and to prepare for any potential emergencies.
Fire Chief and EMA Director Lanier Swafford said those emergencies could range from things like very heavy traffic to actual emergencies.
"People should always be prepared, it's not just for the eclipse or a winter weather event or summer weather event," said Swafford. "People should be aware at all times and we just want to remind them that with increased traffic you could find yourselves in traffic jams, broke down and some of these communities expecting additional visitors, their resources are going to be stretched thin."
Swafford encouraged those traveling on eclipse day to expect heavy volume on the roads, especially as people make their way north to be in the path of totality for the eclipse.
"Some estimations are as many as 50,000 additional visitors that day and those folks have to get there somehow," said Swafford.
He encouraged eclipse viewers to ensure their cars were in proper working order, had fresh anti-freeze and a full tank of gas. He also recommended several items from the National Safety Council.
"A first aid kit, non-perishable, high-energy foods, bottled water, any prescription medications you may need, a flash light, a phone charger, jumper cables, just things you might need to sustain you for an extended period of time should you find yourself out in your vehicle," Swafford said.
More items can be found on the department's Facebook Page.
Swafford said they're not expecting an increase in calls during the eclipse right now, but the potential for an increase in call volume is there. "Any time during the fall months, we have so many visitors in the Northeast Georgia who come to enjoy the beauty," he said. "We do see an increase in traffic calls during that period and we're bracing for a similar action that's coming up this weekend and possibly on Monday."
