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KILLEEN, Texas (KWTX) - City of Killeen Mayor Debbie Nash-King on Tuesday issued a disaster declaration effective immediately, ahead of The Great American Eclipse on April 8.

“The total solar eclipse is a breathtaking experience, however, it also brings with it certain challenges and risks that we cannot overlook,” Mayor Nash-King said.

“In light of the potential impact on our city, I am issuing a disaster declaration. This declaration is not meant to instill fear or panic, but rather to ensure that we are fully prepared to handle any contingencies that may arise during this time.”

Fire Chief Jim Kubinski said the mayor’s declaration will assist the Killeen Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management in its coordination and collaboration efforts with the Texas Division of Emergency Management if and when the city is in need of state assistance during the celestial event.

Having this declaration in place will facilitate the opportunity for any possible state assistance, the fire chief said.

Police Chief Pedro Lopez reminded the community that the Killeen Police Department and the Killeen Fire Department have allocated additional resources to the city’s events during the weekend preceding the solar eclipse, and that both departments have also canceled all days off as they are prepared to respond to any unplanned event.

Peter Perez, the director of the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, reminded the community to visit the City of Killeen Solar Eclipse website at www.KilleenTexas.gov/Eclipse and/or the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Eclipse site at www.VisitKilleen.com/SolarEclipse for safety and preparedness information, as well as encouraged everyone to sign up for emergency notifications with the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management at www.KilleenTexas.gov/OHSEM.

On Feb. 21, Bell County Judge David Blackburn issued a disaster declaration for Bell County for the same reasons mentioned by Chief Kubinski.

“I want to emphasize the importance of unity and community spirit during moments of uncertainty,” Mayor Nash-King said. “While the total solar eclipse may cast a literal shadow over our city, it is our collective resilience and determination that will see us through any challenges we may face.”