Your Credit Union Cares: Solar Eclipse Safety Tips
Just as Fort Financial implements rigorous protocols to safeguard your finances and maintain stability, we’re looking out for you as you prepare for the upcoming total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8th.
It’s important to prioritize your safety and well-being during this rare event. By staying informed and prepared with these safety guidelines, you can be confident knowing that you’ve taken the necessary precautions to safeguard yourself during this astronomical phenomena.
Eclipse Eye Safety
You can view the eclipse directly without specialized eye protection only when the moon completely obscures the sun’s bright face – during the brief and spectacular period known as totality. (You’ll know it’s safe when you can no longer see any part of the sun through eclipse glasses or a solar viewer.)
As soon as you see even a little bit of the bright sun reappear after totality, immediately put your eclipse glasses back on or use a handheld solar viewer to look at the sun.
You must look through safe solar viewing glasses (eclipse glasses) or a safe handheld solar viewer at all times outside of the total solar eclipse. Eclipse glasses are NOT regular sunglasses. Ordinary sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not safe for looking at the sun; they transmit far more sunlight than is safe for our eyes.
Always inspect your eclipse glasses or handheld viewer before use; if torn, scratched, or otherwise damaged, discard the device. Always supervise children using solar viewers.
Viewing any part of the bright sun through a camera lens, binoculars or a telescope without a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the optics will instantly cause severe eye injury.
Do NOT use eclipse glasses or handheld viewers with cameras, binoculars or telescopes. Those require different types of solar filters.
Eclipse Skin Safety
Even during a partial or annular eclipse, or during the partial phases of the upcoming total eclipse, the sun will still be very bright. If you are watching an entire eclipse, you may be in direct sunlight for hours. Remember to wear sunscreen, a hat and protective clothing to prevent skin damage.
We hope you enjoy observing the upcoming eclipse safely with this tips.
If our safety tips inspired you to want to learn more about fortifying your financial health, visit our Financial Resource Center and blog.
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