PISCATAQUIS COUNTY, Maine — There is growing concern among emergency and health agencies in Piscataquis County with regard to the total solar eclipse coming April 2024. They are planning for an influx of tourists that will double the population in Piscataquis County.
"Most of the people in Maine really aren't aware how big of an event the eclipse is going to be," Piscataquis County Emergency Management Agency Director Jaeme Duggan said. "Last census, our population was only 16-and-a-half thousand. It could almost double our population."
On Tuesday, the Center Theatre in Dover-Foxcroft hosted law enforcement, fire departments, hospitals, and other emergency services to hold a tabletop exercise. The goal was to lay out worst-case scenarios and safety concerns for next year's total solar eclipse.
"There is just a lot of things that could go wrong April 8th in Piscataquis County, Maine," Duggan said.
Brad Gilbert, director of clinical services at Northern Light Health, also spoke to NEWS CENTER Maine about preparations for next year's event.
"Best case scenario is that nothing happens, that we're well prepared, we're well planned and sourced for the event," Gilbert said.
A few worst-case scenarios brought to light during the tabletop exercise were cell phone tower overload, heavy traffic that could impede blocking emergency vehicles, and an uptick in crime. Other concerns were the need for warming centers, housing, food, and vehicle maintenance.
"It's a destination event for a lot of people," Duggan stated.
Piscataquis County officials also stressed that people view the total solar eclipse wearing appropriate eyewear.