Ohio & Mahoning Valley - We're just months away from a total solar eclipse that will plunge parts of Ohio into total darkness for nearly five minutes as the moon passes between the earth and sun.

Parts of Mahoning and Trumbull Counties will get to experience the eclipse on April 8, with other nearby cities including Akron and Cleveland being in the path of totality as well.

For those who plan on traveling to see the eclipse, Summit County Public Health Commissioner Donna Skoda voiced some safety concerns, but also offered tips for folks to enjoy the eclipse and stay safe.

Skoda stressed that one of her biggest concerns is eye injuries and reminds viewers not to look directly at the eclipse and use the proper eyewear.

"You can't look directly at up it. And I know people say you can, it won't hurt your eyes, but you really shouldn't because there is the potential for eye injury. ... Looking directly at that unfiltered light is very harmful to your eye," Skoda said.

Additionally, Skoda mentioned increased travel means increased traffic, which means increased risk of crashes with pedestrians or other vehicles.

Skoda went on to remind folks who are hosting an eclipse viewing party or allowing parking at their home to be careful where they let guests park in their yard. Especially if they have a well or septic system.

Additionally, if you're attending a party with alcohol, Skoda is reminding folks who choose to drink to do so responsibly and is asking hosts to allow guests to stay at their home for the night.

"We're telling everyone stay home, watch the eclipse at home and let your guests sleep on the couch, but make sure that you just keep everyone safe," Skoda said.

For folks who are traveling, Skoda is reminding drivers to make sure they have a full tank of gas before they get to wherever they're arriving and to make sure they have water in their cars in case they get stuck in traffic at any point.

"I think for those of us who looked at any pictures of 2017 ... there were some places that were just pure mayhem because of congestion, so we want individuals to realize that's a possibility," Skoda said.

Tom Smook with the Summit County EMA suggests that if you can see the solar eclipse from your home, stay there to avoid traffic congestion, but if you do travel, come early and stay late in order to beat the traffic.