North Texas police and fire departments are gearing up for one of the year’s most anticipated events. On April 8, 2024 Texas will be in the direct path of a solar eclipse.
Departments in Plano, Frisco and Allen are implementing plans in order to keep residents and visitors safe, especially with an influx of folks visiting the state for the solar event.
“We will have extra officers on duty due to the expected increase in visitors,” Allen Police Department Sergeant Jonathan Maness told Local Profile. “It's going to be a pretty exciting event!”
Plano Police Department Public Information Officer Jennifer Chapman noted that the department will also continue monitoring the events and is “prepared to respond accordingly.”
“We plan to work in partnership with our city leaders and traffic engineers, and our community policing officers will be designated to the major city parks,” Chapman told Local Profile. “We hope everyone will give each other some grace and enjoy the memorable moment of history.”
Those in Plano for the eclipse can sign up for what3words, in case of an emergency.
The Frisco Fire Department is also preparing for any challenges that may come with the highly anticipated event and the large number of visitors expected.
“Our officers will be keeping an eye on the tourism areas throughout our city,” Ofc. Grant Cottingham said. “Additionally, through our social media and patrol presence, we hope to encourage motorists to find safe places to view the eclipse (and not stop in the roadway).”
Seven years have passed since the last total eclipse in North America on August 21, 2017. NASA notes that this uncommon event marks the final opportunity to witness a total solar eclipse from the United States until 2044. As the Moon moves between the Sun and Earth, it will cast a captivating shadow across the region, promising a mesmerizing display.
The eclipse's trajectory will unfold over the Dallas-Fort Worth area, beginning around 1:39:56 p.m. It will gradually encompass Fort Worth and Dallas by approximately 1:40:12 p.m. extending further to Plano. The spectacle will reach Frisco at approximately 1:41:35 p.m., followed closely by McKinney at 1:41:48 p.m. The totality phase is anticipated to last an impressive 4 minutes and 27 seconds.
Visit the link here to find out where to watch the solar eclipse in Collin County, Dallas and more.
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