Indiana University Bloomington will be an optimal spot to watch the 2024 total solar eclipse because it is in the path of totality. As a result, IU and the local community could see a population increase of 300,000 on April 8, 2024.
With all the activities and events planned for the eclipse, how will Bloomington accommodate the influx of people?
That question has been on the minds of members of IU Public Safety since the first planning meetings began in early 2022.
“Our goal is to provide a safe and secure environment for our students, faculty, staff and visitors to experience this rare event,” said Brad Seifers, deputy superintendent of the IU Police Department.
While IU Bloomington will be in the center of the eclipse’s path of totality, IUPUI, IU East, IU Kokomo and IUPUC will also be in the path, and other campuses will experience a partial eclipse. For this statewide event, IU Police Department is already coordinating with community and university partners including Emergency Management and Continuity, University Events, the Office of the Provost, schools and departments planning eclipse-related academic events, the city of Bloomington and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.
With large crowds expected to travel to Bloomington and surrounding communities, safety preparation has focused on responding to the increased need for utilities like water, sewer capacity, electricity, Wi-Fi and cellular service. Traffic in and out of Bloomington could also cause challenges.
With these issues in mind, IU Public Safety is already working closely with the local community to assess needs and provide resources where needed.
“We will be prepared for the event and the challenges that come with it,” Seifers said.
