Visitors from around the world will flock to Richland County and join residents Monday to watch a total solar eclipse darken the sky for more than two minutes.

Following are five tips to keep in mind for the big day:

·        Richland County Government offices will be open for business 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

·        Stay protected from mosquitoes. Birds infected with West Nile virus were recently discovered in Richland County. When outdoors, apply mosquito repellent and wear protective clothing.

·        Glasses on. Glasses off. Glasses on. Wear solar glasses before, take them off during totality and put them back on after totality. It is only safe to take off solar glasses during the moment of totality when the sun is blocked by the moon.

·        Visit rcgov.us and tune in to RCTV (Spectrum Ch. 1302, Spectrum Ch. 2 in some parts of the County or AT&T U-Verse Ch. 99) for information about the eclipse. Follow Richland County on Facebook and Twitter (@RichlandSC) for eclipse news and updates.

·        Richland County EMS crews will carry extra bottles of water to hand out.

For a list of more than 100 eclipse-themed events happening in Richland County in the days leading up to and including Monday, visit totaleclipsecolumbiasc.com.