SCOTTSBURG, Ind. (WDRB) -- Small towns across Indiana are rolling out the red carpet for visitors, expecting a full house during Monday's total solar eclipse.

Gov. Eric Holcomb issued an executive order ahead of the celestial event next week, should the eclipse crowds overwhelm state resources as the state prepares to welcome people from across the globe.

Holcomb's order essentially means "all hands on deck." If there is trouble, the governor can ask for assistance from surrounding states.

"It is of primary importance to the State of Indiana to be prepared to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public during this event and to be prepared to swiftly and effectively respond to any emergency that may arise," the order reads.

In Scottsburg, where the population is just under 7,000, Mayor Terry Amick said they are expecting to at least double their population, and maybe even more.

"No one wants to be surrounded by a bunch of people all the time, ya know," said Steven Willis. 

Willis is from Seymour, but does business all over southern Indiana. He was in Austin, in Scott County, Indiana, on Monday and told WDRB he's expecting the eclipse traffic to bring life to a standstill.

"If you are on these back roads, there are farm vehicles and tractors, ya know, make sure you are over far enough where they can get through and, ya know, don't go on people's property that is not yours," he said.

Scott County is in the path of totality during the eclipse, but not for long. Scottsburg will experience just over one minute of darkness. While it's quite what towns just to the north, like Seymour and Paoli, are expecting, Amick said he will take anything.

"We will have people pulling cars in and adjusting them, like in a fair, then they will be able to get out, bring a blanket, bring a comforter," he said.

The town of Scottsburg has 20 acres to park cars and let people spread out to watch the eclipse. Once the sun emerges and life returns to normal, the interstate just just a mile away.

Should the city, and life, come to a screeching halt, emergency management and school officials are on the same fiber optic system to maintain communication. For police, it's all hands on deck. Indiana State Police have said their attention is strictly on the interstates, and not the side roads.

"We have 17 officers in our department, we will have the sheriff's office as well (to) help us, and we'll work hand-in-hand with the sheriff's office, so we feel we will be able to handle that," said Amick.

According to ISP, roughly 4 million Hoosiers live within the path of totality for the eclipse, with hundreds of thousands expected to visit. The agency is reminding residents and drivers that there will likely be increased traffic and congestion, with the areas near the centerline of the eclipse anticipated to see the greatest influx of visitors. That includes Vincennes, Bloomington, Franklin and Bluffton, ISP said.

Police recommend eclipse-goers research their viewing site and consider the accessibility, parking and crowd size. They suggest checking the INDOT TrafficWise app or website to plan routes, monitor traffic conditions and find alternate routes if needed. You're also encouraged to arrive to your viewing site early.

ELCIPSE PLANNING TO_DO LIST

Pack snacks, phone charger, jumper cables, eclipse glasses and your patience

Packing plenty of snacks and water is also encouraged, as well as bringing charging cables in case you become stranded. Police said it's also important to make sure your vehicle has a full tank of gas and to top off other fluids to be safe. Lastly, and most importantly, your certified eclipse glasses to avoid damage to your eyes when viewing the eclipse.

WDRB News will be live in Seymour, Indiana, starting at 2 p.m. Monday on air and on WDRB+. WDRB Solar Eclipse glasses are still available at area Scooters Coffee locations. You can get five free pairs with any purchase of a specialty drink or Scoot Energy while supplies last. You can also buy additional pairs for $2 each. A portion of the money will go to the Kentucky Science Center.

To look at an eclipse "how to" guide from the state's visitor's bureau, including safety tips and more, click here. The state also has an official website for the eclipse with resources, safety tips, travel, and places to watch the eclipse. To check it out, click here.

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