In anticipation of April's total solar eclipse, small towns and rural enclaves across the United States are preparing for an influx of sun chasers. Tourism and community leaders in the path of the eclipse, which stretches from Texas to Maine, are taking precautions and urging residents and visitors to be ready for the event.

To handle the expected surge in visitors, extra fuel and port-a-potties are being brought in, and additional aid is being sought through disaster declarations in some counties. Oklahoma's National Guard will also be providing assistance. The impact of heavy traffic and disruptions is causing hundreds of schools to close or switch to remote learning in states like Texas, Indiana, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont.

Tom Traub, part of NASA's eclipse ambassador program, highlighted the concern by recalling the 2017 total solar eclipse, where the population of Beatrice, Nebraska, swelled from 12,000 to 40,000. Gas stations ran out of fuel, restaurants ran out of food, and restrooms were overwhelmed and closed. This time, organizers are determined to avoid a repeat of such issues.

Emergency officials in Hays County, Texas, recommend a "solar eclipse survival bag" with essentials such as a mobile phone and charger, hard copies of maps, and a compass. The importance of bringing a fully charged phone, despite possible signal congestion, is emphasized in prime viewing locations where cellphone usage during the 2017 eclipse overloaded communication towers. Ohio's governor even signed an executive order to ensure the state's preparedness, urging residents to top off their gas tanks or charge their electric vehicles before embarking on their trip.

Various Texas counties issuing disaster declarations are advising residents to stock up on groceries and fulfill necessary prescriptions while making sure vehicles are fueled up. Similar precautions are being taken across other affected regions. Regional airports, like Cape Girardeau, Missouri, are preparing for extra planes, while fire departments are bracing for potential injuries, both from eye damage due to staring at the sun and increased traffic-related accidents.

In Erie, Pennsylvania, local businesses are getting ready by ordering additional supplies such as milk, eggs, water, and batteries. The city's hotels are reaching capacity, and residents are encouraged to give way to visitors on the interstates to alleviate traffic congestion. Despite the challenges, the city's tourism spokesperson reminds everyone to "enjoy the moment" once totality occurs.

As the eclipse approaches, small towns and rural areas are taking proactive measures to ensure the safety and comfort of both residents and visitors during this extraordinary celestial event.