2024 Solar Eclipse

Here at Croghan Colonial Bank, we're excited about the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse! The eclipse will occur between noon and 4 pm on April 8th, 2024. However, out-of-town guests are expected to begin arriving the Thursday and Friday before. As we prepare for this once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon, we encourage everyone to be prepared, stay safe, and have fun!

Adjusted Hours:

Our offices will have adjusted hours on Monday, April 8, 2024. 

Business Tips

Here are our top tips to keep your business safe during the eclipse:

Phones & Payment

• Anticipate possible cellular connectivity issues.
• If you have cellular phones, identify a neighbor with a landline.
• Be ready for credit/debit card machines not to work, and have alternate payment methods ready.
• Be prepared for more cash transactions. You may have to make larger-than-normal deposits over the weekend.
• Locate your closest ATM, and have plenty of change available.
• Regularly check your card machines for skimming devices.

Utilities

• Turn off automatic lighting the morning of the 8th, and turn back on by 5 pm.
• Restaurants may want to schedule additional trash pick-ups.
• Expect more people needing to use your restrooms. If your restrooms are not public, you may want to post a notice on your door.
• Businesses are encouraged to reschedule deliveries if needed so they arrive before Friday, April 8th, or after Tuesday, April 9th.

Emergencies

• Police availability may be limited to critical emergencies (I.E., may not respond to parking complaints)
• Make sure all staff know your local Police Department's non-emergency number.
• First responders expect to be strategically placed throughout the county, but due to the increase in people, resources could be stretched.
• Test generators in advance to ensure they're working correctly.

Staffing

• Encourage employees to have a full tank of gas ready for extra travel.
• Adjust schedules for anticipated peak travel times.
• Consider what to do if employees are late due to traffic and unavailable parking.
• With increased cash transactions, educate your staff on identifying fake bills.

Personal Tips

Here are our top tips to keep you & your families safe during the eclipse:

Preparation

• Fill gas tanks a few days before the eclipse to avoid possible long lines and fuel shortages.
• Test home generators in advance to ensure they're working correctly.
• Schedule errands and appointments two to three days before the eclipse. 
• Consider visiting your closest ATM a few days before the event. ATMs are likely to have longer lines during the eclipse.
• If you only have cell phones, locate a neighbor with a landline in case you need to call 9-1-1.
• Add your local Police Department's non-emergency phone number to your contacts.
• Double-check your individual/family emergency response plan.
• Develop a communication plan with family and friends in case of cellular connectivity issues.

Day of the Eclipse

• Try to keep your phone charged as much as possible.
• Expect cellular connectivity issues and slow wifi.
• Watch the eclipse with special eclipse glasses.

• Have fun! In our communities, the next total solar eclipse won't be for a long time!