Safety of I&M customers and employees is top priority. With the impending April 8 solar eclipse, thousands of people will travel to Indiana to be in the path of totality. In fact, it is estimated that Indiana may see as many as a half million out-of-state visitors for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

The influx of people is anticipated to cause issues not directly related to the eclipse. But by prioritizing safety, this rare spectacle can be a memory of a lifetime.

Extreme traffic is expected due to a surge of visitors traveling for the event. This may increase vehicle accidents, which can cause power outages across our service territories. These outages can take time to repair depending on the extent of damage and equipment needed to make repairs. Drivers are encouraged to:

• Eliminate distractions such as texting, making calls, setting navigation or adjusting the radio.
• Be alert for I&M crews or other first responders/emergency vehicles along roadways.
• Emphasize defensive driving. Remember that an unusually large number of drivers are unfamiliar with the roads in the area and make sudden turns or stops.
• Avoid travel during this time if you can do so.

Drivers are being encouraged to further prepare for limited availability of gasoline and food on applicable routes due to a higher volume of travelers. Cell phone service may also be impacted due to heightened network use.

If you are planning to view the event, the only safe way to look directly at the sun, is through a special-purpose solar filter. These solar filters are used in “eclipse glasses” or in hand-held solar viewers. They must meet a very specific worldwide standard known as ISO 12312-2. Ordinary sunglasses or exposed film negatives are not a safe alternative to these designated filters. Read more on eye protection and how to safely view a solar eclipse here.

I&M is prepared to complete outage restoration as safely and quickly as possible should vehicle accidents occur with poles or other equipment. Customers impacted by totality will be in the Muncie-Marion area and southern portion of Fort Wayne. These areas are slated to face total darkness between 3:07 p.m. and 3:11 p.m., lasting just under four minutes. Remaining districts within I&M are subject to see a partial eclipse, including southwest Michigan, South Bend/Elkhart and the majority of Fort Wayne.