Environmental Health
Solar Eclipse Information 2024
On Monday, April 8, 2024, people within a 124-mile-wide band in the state of Ohio, including all of Wood County, will experience a total solar eclipse. A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon’s path crosses in front of the sun, blocking sunlight to Earth’s surface.
The total solar eclipse will last no more than five minutes, but a partial solar eclipse will be visible before and after the total eclipse. The last total solar eclipse visible in Ohio was in 1806. The next total solar eclipse in Ohio will be in the year 2099.
In areas of totality, daytime will seem like nighttime. The temperature will drop, darkness will fall and nocturnal animal activity may increase.
What to Expect in Our Area
Because all of Wood County is in the path of totality, a significant increase in visitors is expected from April 5 to April 9, 2024. Prepare for the possibility of heavy traffic, long lines and limits to some services.
Travel immediately before and after the eclipse may be slow due to the number of visitors who will be traveling to our area. Visitors are encouraged to "come early, and stay late" by making plans to stay into the next day to reduce the strain on the roadways.
Viewing the Eclipse Safely
Experiencing a total solar eclipse is for most of us a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. But it's important to follow precautions to experience the eclipse safely.
Never look directly at the sun without proper eye protection, including during an eclipse!
- Only use certified solar filters/glasses that meet international safety standards (ISO 12312-2). Approved eclipse safety glasses or viewers will have this designation printed on them.
- Inspect filters before use to ensure that they are in good condition without scratches or damage before use.
- Do not use homemade filters, regular sunglasses or unfiltered cameras, telescopes or binoculars to view the sun.
- Supervise children closely to ensure they use solar filters properly and avoid looking directly at the sun.
Visit NASA’s eye safety webpage to learn more about safely viewing the eclipse.
Visit the American Astronomical Society for a list of reputable vendors of eclipse glasses.
With additional population coming to the area for the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, there are special considerations for food service providers, including temporary and mobile food service providers and operators.
If you are a food service provider, mobile food service provider or plan to offer food for sale on a temporary basis during the eclipse, please review the information below to ensure you have proper permits and are prepared for activity related to the eclipse.
For questions contact our Environmental Health Department at 419-354-2702 or email environmental@co.wood.oh.us.
Temporary Food Vendors
A temporary retail food establishment or temporary food service operation is a facility that is operated at an event for not more than five consecutive days. If you plan to sell food at an event for the April 2024 solar eclipse, contact Wood County Health Department to obtain a temporary food license.
- To apply for a temporary food license click here
- Your application MUST be submitted at least TEN (10) days prior to the event to allow our staff time to accommodate your request and schedule your inspection.
- A temporary application must be complete and approved before it will be accepted. The current temporary food service license fee is $81.56 and includes inspection of the temporary food operation.
Mobile Food Vendors
Ohio Law requires that every person who intends to prepare, serve or sell food from a movable vehicle, portable structure or watercraft that routinely changes location obtain a Mobile Food Operation License.
- Mobile food vendors must have a 2024 mobile food license to operate during any event on or after March 1, 2024 through February 28, 2025.
- NEW Mobile Food Vendors have to go through plan review and that could take up to 30 days.
- Please note that if you had a food license for your mobile in 2023, the expiration for your license is February 29, 2024. If you plan to operate for any events during the April 2024 solar eclipse, you must apply for a Mobile Food Operation License for the 2024-2025 licensing year prior to the event.
- Your application MUST be submitted at least TEN (10) days prior to the event to allow our staff time to accommodate your request and schedule your inspection if you plan to operate for the Eclipse.
MOBILE FOOD ROUND-UP INSPECTION DAY for RENEWAL APPLICATIONS: March 1, 2024.
- Come anytime between 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. in the Wood County Health Department Front parking lot, located at 1840 E. Gypsy Lane Rd., Bowling Green, Ohio 43402.
- Due to the influx of mobile inspections requested on the first day of the licensing year, we will be offering a ‘Mobile Round Up’ at the health department. Mobiles that are self-sufficient are encouraged to be brought to the Wood County Health Department to receive their initial inspection for the 2024 licensing year. After an inspection has been completed you can pay for and obtain your 2024 Mobile License. Please use the front parking lot to set up your unit.
- If you are unable to make it on this date, please call the health department to schedule your inspection. Mobile units may not operate until the unit is inspected and the license is purchased.
Tips for Food Service Operators during the Eclipse
Prepare for an increase in customers: consider the supplies you will need to have on hand.
- Consider increasing your hours of operation to meet potential customer needs.
- Have back up plans for staffing should staff be delayed due to the increased traffic.
- Be prepared for an increased number of cash transactions, and verify if your bank will be open for deposits on the day of the eclipse and potentially after.
- There may be interruptions or delays with cell service or other technological issues that could affect your payment or ordering process. Have a backup plan for your operation if you are unable to make normal transactions.
- Potential visitors may have an urgent request to use your landline business phone if cell service is limited. Decide how your facility will handle this request and inform your employees of your procedures. If 911 is needed for an emergency, please be ready to help.
- Evaluate and communicate with your vendors on your regular deliveries and avoid Monday, April 8 as you may experience delays as people travel to the area.
- There may be an increased demand to use the facility restroom, so decide how your facility will handle this increase as well.
- Be prepared for a backup plan if there is an equipment failure and you are not able to access a repair person.
- Plan for a potential limited menu or prepackaged items that can be purchased on the go.
Temporary Campgrounds
Permits are required for temporary campgrounds that offer five or more campsites and are charging a fee for staying on the property. To apply for a temporary campground license, print the following application and submit it to Wood County Health Department at least 10 days prior to the date you would like to operate. Additionally, please review the Temporary Campground Facts & Guidelines document below:
Information about Temporary Campgrounds
Temporary Campground License Application
Protect Your Sewage Treatment System and Private Water System
Do not allow vehicles to be parked on or near any sewage treatment system or private water system components (tanks, leach area, well head, etc.) to prevent damage to sewage and water systems.
Residents with questions or concerns regarding their septic system or private water system can contact Wood County Environmental Health Department at 419-354-2702 or email environmental@co.wood.oh.us.
Tips for Campers
Before a cold-weather camping trip, be sure to read up and prepare properly. Ohio weather in April is unpredictable. Plan ahead for safe ways to stay warm and hydrated during your stay. Follow these tips for a safe, enjoyable campout.
- Dress in layers. A wool or synthetic base layer is preferred over cotton. Add middle layers and finally a shell jacket on top.
- Remove sweaty clothes at night. Damp clothing will keep you cold and can trap bacteria.
- Use an insulated camp pad. Better yet, double up your padding.
- Pack the right sleeping bag. Ensure your bag is rated for cold temperatures.
- Warm up with a hot water bottle. Place a hot water bottle in your sleeping bag to warm your core. Be careful not to use a metal bottle and do not burn yourself.
- Eat properly. Keep those high-protein snacks coming. Be sure to stay hydrated.