EXECUTIVE ORDER: 24-05

FOR: PREPARATION FOR THE TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE OF 2024

TO ALL WHOM THESE PRESENTS MAY COME, GREETINGS:

WHEREAS, on April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will pass directly over the State of Indiana, giving everyone in our state an incredible view of this extremely rare event. The last total solar eclipse to pass over Indiana occurred in 1869, and the next is not expected to occur until 2099;

WHEREAS, it is anticipated the State of Indiana will see a significant influx of several hundred thousand visitors to witness, what will be for nearly all, a once-in-a-lifetime event;

WHEREAS, it is of primary importance to the State of Indiana to be prepared to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public during this event and to be prepared to swiftly and effectively respond to any emergency that may arise;

WHEREAS, over the last year, state and local agencies have been preparing for this event and it is anticipated there may well be widespread and significant impact placed on Indiana's emergency response, transportation, communication, and other critical infrastructure systems by this tremendous influx of visitors throughout the state;

WHEREAS, the massive number of people viewing this event in our state may well stress and/or interfere with first responder and public safety communications and emergency response systems such that a technological or other emergency may occur;

WHEREAS, the State of Indiana is a member of the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) wherein a member state can, upon a governor's declaration of a disaster emergency, call upon resources in another state to be on hand or available, which resources are essential to the safety, care, and welfare of the people; and

WHEREAS, other member states of the EMAC have communications and other equipment which can be provided in advance to the State of Indiana so it is in place and able to augment Indiana's resources should the need suddenly arise in connection with this very large and unique event.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ERIC J. HOLCOMB, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Indiana, do hereby:

DECLARE a statewide disaster emergency exists to ensure preparedness for the total solar eclipse. This declaration is effective immediately and shall terminate at 11:59 p.m. on April 9, 2024.

ORDER the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) and its Executive Director, to enlist the support of other state agencies and member states of the EMAC as are needed and to ensure statewide preparedness for the total solar eclipse.

ORDER the IDHS Executive Director to coordinate any and all necessary assistance with appropriate federal, state, and local agencies.