City Council Continues to Prepare for Historic Eclipse Event

March 21, 2024 – At Tuesday’s City Council Meeting, the Council continued to prepare for the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024 by approving a Disaster Declaration. This declaration comes as part of comprehensive preparations to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and visitors during this extraordinary celestial event.

The total solar eclipse, expected to cast Dripping Springs into darkness for approximately 3-minutes, promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. While the City does not anticipate any significant issues and expects this to be an amazing experience for residents and visitors, enacting a disaster declaration in advance of the event activates the city’s Emergency Management team and authorizes more aid if needed. It allows Dripping Springs to streamline decision-making, access additional resources, and coordinate emergency response efforts to effectively address any needs we may have.

The declaration helps emphasize the importance of preparedness and collaboration in ensuring a smooth and safe eclipse viewing experience. The declaration includes the following:

• Ensures Dripping Springs Emergency Management can plan and authorize the furnishing of aid and assistance and authorizes Dripping Springs to take any actions necessary to promote life, safety and infrastructure protection should there be a need.
• States that City Offices other than essential services will not be open on April 8, 2024, including building inspections and permits, and planning reviews, and encouraging the cessation of construction activities on that day.
• Requires property owners and entities having events in conjunction with the eclipse with fifty (50) or more people within the City Limits to register that event. They must register the event here: https://www.drippingeclipse.com/events.
• Encourages all residents to be mindful of the increased traffic, ensure all vehicles are filled with fuel the week leading up to this event, ensure sufficient groceries and supplies are purchased well in advance, and to take all cautionary measures to ensure the safety of all persons and animals in their car.

"We are so excited about this awe-inspiring celestial event, and it is going to be amazing. But it is also imperative that we prioritize the safety and well-being of our community," stated Emergency Management Coordinator Roman Baligad. "The City has been proactive in planning for this event for two years and we are prepared. Through that proactive planning and concerted efforts, we are committed to making the eclipse viewing experience both memorable and secure for all."

Also, as announced last week, adding to the preparation is exciting news that the Texas State Guard (TXSG) will be using the eclipse event for their annual training. The Soldiers of the Texas State Guard, 3rd Battalion 6th Brigade, are gearing up for their 2024 Annual Training with a unique twist—dedicating their efforts to a Community Service Event: the Eclipse in Dripping Springs. They are partnering with the Hays County Emergency Management team and Dripping Springs Emergency Management to provide support in traffic control and communications during the eclipse. With many expected to visit and travel through Dripping Springs to witness the celestial spectacle, the Texas State Guard will be a tremendous help as they align its resources to contribute to the success of this big event.

You can read the entire declaration below. For the latest updates and information, please visit the City’s official eclipse website at drippingeclipse.com. For questions, please send an email to eclipse@cityofdrippingsprings.com or call the City of Dripping Springs at 512-858-4725.