Governor Kathy Hochul immediately launched a statewide effort to guard New Yorkers forward of the Complete Photo voltaic Eclipse on Monday, April 8. The hassle consists of statewide distribution of limited-edition I LOVE NY eclipse glasses at 30 areas all through the state – together with New York State Welcome Facilities and choose service areas alongside the NYS Thruway – in addition to a reminder for stargazers to be cautious of scams, pretend merchandise and phony lodging listings. As well as, the Governor expanded an I LOVE NY marketing campaign to induce New Yorkers to take correct security precautions in the course of the eclipse. As we speak’s announcement builds on earlier actions to organize the state, in addition to New York stargazers, for the once-in-a-generation celestial occasion.“The overall photo voltaic eclipse shall be a once-in-a-generation expertise for our state, and it’s essential that New Yorkers have the instruments and knowledge to take pleasure in it safely,” Governor Hochul mentioned. “From heightening consciousness of scams to offering hundreds of New Yorkers with eclipse glasses, I’m centered on giving everybody the sources they should safely expertise this extraordinary occasion.”On April 8, a complete photo voltaic eclipse will embody the western and northern components of New York State with the roughly 100-mile large path of totality coming into within the southwestern a part of the state at simply after 3:15 p.m. and departing northern New York simply earlier than 3:30 p.m. Cities and cities inside this path embody Jamestown, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Watertown, Outdated Forge, Lake Placid and Plattsburgh. Your entire occasion will final for as much as 2 ½ hours, marking the time the solar is first obstructed to the final moments when the moon’s shadow is forged.I LOVE NY Eclipse GlassesDuring the eclipse, it’s particularly unsafe to look immediately on the solar with out specialised eye safety and may end up in severe damage. The partial phases of the photo voltaic eclipse can solely be safely noticed immediately with specialised eclipse glasses or a handheld photo voltaic viewer – common sun shades are usually not a secure substitute.A restricted amount of I LOVE NY eclipse glasses shall be out there starting immediately at areas all through the state, together with New York State Welcome Facilities and choose service areas alongside the New York State Thruway (on the Applegreen C-Shops). A full listing of areas distributing I LOVE NY glasses, in addition to different sources for eclipse glasses, can be found right here. Glasses shall be restricted to 2 pairs per particular person, whereas provides final, with a restricted quantity distributed every day. The glasses had been accepted by the New York State Division of Well being and carry an ISO certification.A digital advertising marketing campaign was launched in January to advertise common consciousness of the eclipse and viewing choices throughout New York State. Messaging of the marketing campaign has expanded to incorporate security and preparedness info in addition to info on eclipse glasses distribution. The marketing campaign will proceed to run up till the eclipse on April 8.Defending Stargazers From ScamsThe New York Division of State’s Division of Client Safety is offering suggestions for the lots of of hundreds of customers planning to journey to New York State to witness the photo voltaic eclipse over New York. Shoppers have to be knowledgeable of their rights, store well to safeguard their hard-earned cash and keep vigilant to guard themselves from scams.In response to the Higher Enterprise Bureau, scams related to the 2024 photo voltaic eclipse could embody: Journey Scams: Scammers could promote discounted journey packages or transportation providers for viewing the eclipse, solely to vanish with prospects’ cash or present subpar providers.Faux Merchandise: Unscrupulous distributors may promote counterfeit or overpriced eclipse-themed merchandise.Phony Lodging Listings: Scammers may create false lodge or rental listings claiming to have optimum views of the eclipse whereas these listings could not exist or properties will not be as described, or the lister isn’t actually the proprietor.To safeguard in opposition to these scams, client ought to:Attempt to pay with a bank card. Bank cards typically provide extra safety than paying by money, verify or debit card. Some bank card corporations additionally provide perks like journey insurance coverage or concierge service whereas touring and should provide extra protections if the journey is cancelled. Test together with your bank card firm on the situations of journey expenditure reimbursement.Buying Merchandise. Buy eclipse viewing glasses and different associated merchandise solely from respected distributors or verified sources. Look to see if the glasses embody the ISO stamp and message When looking for eclipse glasses or handheld photo voltaic viewers, your finest wager is to begin with the AAS listing of suppliers so that you will be positive your viewers are secure.Private Data. Train warning when offering private or monetary info on-line. This recommendation is nice all yr spherical, not only for the eclipse.Do Your Analysis. Confirm the legitimacy of lodging listings by researching the property and studying opinions from trusted sources.Any client who encounters a market drawback whereas having fun with the eclipse in New York can file a grievance with the Division of Client Safety at dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection.Extra Preparations for Complete Photo voltaic EclipseNew York State is dedicated to offering a secure and enjoyable eclipse expertise, recognizing the convergence of public security and tourism promotion. Vacationers are inspired to plan an prolonged getaway for a extra gratifying occasion, together with avoiding post-eclipse visitors like the huge backups following the Nice Eclipse of 2017, which bisected america from Oregon to South Carolina.Academic Data and ViewingEarlier this month, Governor Hochul introduced the eclipse occasions and actions scheduled at New York’s State Parks, in coordination with NASA. I LOVE NY has launched the multi-platform “Come for the Eclipse, Keep for New York” marketing campaign to current New York as THE place to be to witness this occasion. The marketing campaign and a particular eclipse web site spotlight viewing location info within the 5 areas that can expertise the trail of totality, quite a lot of sights and particular eclipse-related occasions occurring throughout the state throughout its digital platforms together with Instagram, Fb, TikTok and Twitter/X. A downloadable particular version eclipse poster can be out there, created by way of I LOVE NY’s partnership with acclaimed artist {and professional} astronomer Dr. Tyler Nordgren. Go to iloveny.com/eclipse for viewing areas and extra security suggestions.Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez mentioned, “The joy is constructing for this extraordinary celestial occasion occurring for the primary time in 99 years. As lots of of hundreds of photo voltaic eclipse lovers go to and journey all through our state, we urge New Yorkers and vacationers alike to be vigilant and observe our suggestions to allow them to benefit from the eclipse with out turning into prey to fraudulent schemes.”Empire State Improvement President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight mentioned, “New York’s prime location within the path of totality for this uncommon complete photo voltaic eclipse has generated substantial curiosity from residents and guests alike. Beneath Governor Hochul’s management, we’re working to make sure viewer security by way of multi-agency public security coordination and the distribution of complementary I LOVE NY eclipse glasses. This once-in-a-lifetime occasion will additional help our important tourism trade, benefiting inns, eating places and companies, as eclipse lovers discover viewing areas all through the state.”New York State Division of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez mentioned, “As a part of New York State’s multi-agency coordination effort, state businesses below Governor Hochul’s course are working in unison to be sure that the upcoming photo voltaic eclipse is as gratifying and secure as attainable. New York State shall be one of many major locations for individuals hoping to catch a uncommon glimpse of this pure marvel, which can present new alternatives for the economic system and tourism, together with distinctive visitors challenges. In case you are coming to New York to take pleasure in this occasion, please come ready with meals and water; please be affected person, as you could encounter visitors and please don’t park on the facet of the roads – so emergency autos can safely entry the roadways. The staff at NYSDOT is planning to make sure that everybody not solely enjoys the eclipse safely, however hopefully takes in some extra sights whereas they’re right here.”New York State Well being Commissioner Dr. James McDonald mentioned, “An important step to make sure New Yorkers take pleasure in this once-in-a-lifetime occasion is to guard your eyes. ISO licensed eclipse glasses will defend your eyes from severe and probably everlasting injury, which may happen by wanting on the eclipse with common sun shades or with none eye safety. I’m grateful Governor Hochul is making the specialised glasses out there in dozens of areas across the State to make sure this expertise is a secure and gratifying one.”New York State Thruway Authority Performing Government Director Frank G. Hoare mentioned, “1000’s of extra motorists are anticipated to make use of the New York State Thruway to journey to their vacation spot to view the eclipse on April 8. Motorists stopping at choose service areas on the Thruway will be capable to decide up a free pair of eclipse glasses to soundly view this as soon as in a lifetime expertise. For the security of all vacationers, there isn’t a parking on the shoulders of the freeway, and parking in Thruway service areas shall be restricted. We encourage vacationers to reach to their vacation spot early, drive safely and have enjoyable at this historic occasion.”Mark J.F. Schroeder, Commissioner of the NYS Division of Motor Automobiles and Chair of the Governor’s Visitors Security Committee mentioned, “That is an thrilling day for New Yorkers and our guests to expertise a uncommon phenomenon, and we need to make certain everybody can achieve this safely. When you’re driving in the course of the eclipse, be ready to expertise sudden darkness, and don’t strive to take a look at the eclipse whilst you’re in movement. Discover a place to park if you wish to look, and be sure to have correct eyewear. You must also bear in mind that visitors in viewing areas shall be heavier, so anticipate delays and take it sluggish.”Claire Rosenzweig, President & CEO of Higher Enterprise Bureau – Metropolitan New York mentioned, “A photo voltaic eclipse is thrilling however don’t let your guard all the way down to those that attempt to trick you and vanish together with your cash. Independently confirm services and products and by no means give your private or monetary info to a stranger.”