Chautauqua County leaders wear the solar eclipse glasses during a press conference Tuesday, announcing the glasses are being given away free of charge. Pictured from left: Visitors Bureau Director Andrew Nixon, Chamber President Dan Heitzenrater, Emergency Services Director Noel Guttman, County Chief Physician Dr. Michael Faulk, Public Health Director Lacy Wilson, and County Executive PJ Wendel. Photo by Gregory Bacon

MAYVILLE – The future’s so bright, you’ll want to wear shades.

At least on April 8.

With less than a month for the 2024 total solar eclipse, Chautauqua County is giving away safe glasses for viewing.

In fact, they have tens of thousands of glasses, so there’s no worry.

On Tuesday, county officials noted they were providing glasses to more than 75 groups, including municipalities, fire departments, libraries and more. On top of that, any club or organization that would like some free glasses can email glasses@chqgov.com.

Originally the county was going to order 50,000 glasses, but County Executive PJ Wendel admitted that the order ended up being much higher, so there’s no fear of running out.

The cardboard glasses being given away by the county have the county’s seal, along with CHQ on them. On the inside is a note that says the glasses meet the requirement for ISO 12312-2.

County Public Health Director Lacy Wilson said ISO is the International Organization for Standardization. The ISO gives its approval for safe glasses to view the solar eclipse.

These glasses, she explained, will protect one’s eyes when glancing at the eclipse.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Michael Faulk explained that without proper eye protection, those who look up at the eclipse can get solar retinopathy. “The retina is the vital part of the eye. It exists in the back part of the eye. When damaged by solar energy and the sun’s rays, it can cause visual disturbances,” he said.

Some of the symptoms include blind spots in one or both eyes, dizziness, blurry vision and a mild headache. The symptoms can occur hours or even days after the event of an unprotected viewing of the sun.

The symptoms can last for weeks and in some cases, be permanent. “At this time there is no known treatment for solar retinopathy, other than time,” Faulk said.

But after the eclipse, if someone is experiencing symptoms, Faulk still recommends that individual see an eye specialist.

He also noted that regular sunglasses do not protect against solar retinopathy. People who wear prescription glasses should place the solar eclipse glasses on the outside of their glasses.

In terms of viewing the eclipse, Faulk recommends people put the specialized eclipse glasses on, glance up at the sun, and then look away and take them off. Then they can put them back on and look up again, taking multiple breaks during the full eclipse. “These glasses are not meant to keep on during the whole entirety of the event, staring at the sun,” he said.

He also warns people to not look at the eclipse through a telescope or camera lens. “The most severe reports of damage to the retina have occurred when folks are using a camera, looking through the lens, trying to get a glimpse of the eclipse, or using a telescope,” he said.

Faulk particularly recommends parents and caregivers to give extra attention to children, who may be more prone to look up at the sun or stare with their specialized glasses on too long.

Wendel said cellphones have been known to become damaged as well during a solar eclipse.

For pets, officials recommend owners keep them inside if possible.

Emergency Services Director Noel Guttman said in 2017 when there was a full solar eclipse out west, some wild animals appeared to become confused and acted as though it was night. He warns drivers to be weary of deer or other animals that may start to wander in confusion.

VISITORS

Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau Director Andrew Nixon said it’s difficult to predict how many people will be in attendance in the county that day. He said the majority of hotels, motels and vacation homes are sold out, but there are still some openings. Some campgrounds are opening for the weekend for tent camping. “It’s hard to say a specific number, but it’s going to be several thousand,” he said.

Guttman recommended residents prepare for the eclipse like they would a snowstorm. He said for people to fill up their vehicles with gasoline before April 8, do their shopping early and make sure they don’t need to go out that afternoon to run errands or things like that.

Another concern is the expressways. Both I-90 and I-86 could have drivers pulling off the side of the road, or even stopping on the road itself, clogging up the traffic.

Wendel described the eclipse similar to watching a July Fourth fireworks display. Once it’s over, it’s bumper to bumper traffic for people trying to get out.

The eclipse time is set for 3:16 p.m. and is expected to last 3 and a half minutes.

He said for the private sector, the county’s recommendation is to try to avoid having items brought in or out that afternoon. “If somebody has a private business and you are having any deliveries of a critical nature, make sure that it’s happening prior to that window. I would say try to have everything done by noon,” he said.

When it comes to the weather, it’s difficult to say what it will be, but Guttman said he has high hopes. “A 50-year history by the National Weather Service shows a temperature of 48 to 52 degrees, with a 60 to 70% chance of clouds. But what the weather service has said, is (even though) that’s a high number, that means there might be a cloud in the sky,” he said.

For now, Wendel just hopes everyone enjoys the event. “The future’s going to be bright in Chautauqua County. Make sure you have your shades on when watching this total eclipse. .. We’ll look forward to seeing you on April 8,” he said.