ROCHESTER, N.Y. — How are first responders preparing for the total solar eclipse, which will darken the skies over Rochester on Monday, April 8?

The region is expected to welcome up to 500,000 visitors for this once in a lifetime celestial event, which can pose some challenges from public safety to transportation. When the sky goes dark, people behind the scenes will make sure people are safe.

It’s a task that requires all hands on deck for the Monroe County Office of Emergency Management, which has been planning for the day for over a year.

“We’re very fortunate. Unlike other counties around us, we have a tremendous transportation network, so 490, 390, 590, 104, the state highways,” said Tim Henry, manager of the Monroe County Office of Emergency Management. “We’ve got a great transportation grid that will allow both visitors from out of state, out of county to be able to get in to view a lot of the special events here, get near the totality line as it were out near Brockport and out over the lake and we hope to enjoy the day.”

Though they want everyone to enjoy the day, county public safety director Richard Tantalo says the public can help. If you see something, say something.

“When we talked to our first responder partners, they’ve done an implementation of enhanced staffing whether it’s overlapping shifts, bringing in additional personnel, strategically placing resources within our community and we’re in constant communication with them,” Tantalo said.

Tantalo said the county has never prepared for anything of the magnitude of the eclipse in Rochester. However, there have been plenty of events that have drawn visitors across the country such as the PGA Championship last May and festivals.

Henry said the Office of Emergency Management is working with law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency medical services at prepare for the eclipse. RG&E, the American Red Cross, and state agencies like the Department of Transportation are also preparing.

Tantalo said the Department of Transportation is reminding people about the eclipse through digital messages on the highway. In addition, Monroe County has set aside space within the 21 county parks to enjoy the eclipse.

The skies will start to darken in Rochester at 2:07 p.m. Totality will begin at 3:20 p.m. and will last for 3 minutes and 38 seconds in the city. News10NBC is Rochester’s Eclipse Headquarters. You can see our complete eclipse coverage here and a list of eclipse viewing parties here.