By Trish Svoboda

On April 8, an uncommon total solar eclipse will cast a shadow from Texas to Maine. The event is anticipated to attract millions of spectators, and for those planning to make the journey, the American Red Cross has provided guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Prepare an emergency kit in the event of unforeseen circumstances such as traffic congestion or lack of accommodation. The kit should contain essentials like water, food that doesn’t spoil, a flashlight, a radio powered by batteries, a first aid kit, necessary medications, infant supplies if needed, a versatile tool, personal hygiene products including toilet paper, chargers for your cell phone, additional cash, blankets, area maps, and emergency contact details.

They also advise checking the weather forecast ahead of time and plan accordingly.

Keep your gas tank full so you don’t run out while stuck in traffic.

Let someone know where you are going and the route you plan to take to get there.

Pick an easy-to-remember meeting location if someone gets separated from your group.

The eclipse will begin at sunrise over the Pacific Ocean, and people in Oklahoma will begin to see it around 12:30 p.m. Central. Idabel and other southeast Oklahoma communities will experience totality beginning around 1:45 p.m.