If you want to view the upcoming solar eclipse, you'll need the proper glasses or risk permanent eye damage.
The county will experience a partial eclipse between 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., with the peak happening at around 3:15 p.m. when 99 per cent of the sun's light will be covered by the moon.
A total eclipse will be visible in parts of Ontario including Chatham-Kent, Hamilton, and Niagara Falls.
It's estimated this won't happen again locally for another 126 years.
LPH Supervisor of Health Protection Lori Lucas said it's a really neat phenomenon.
"It's really important not to look at the sun without proper eye protection during a solar eclipse," said Lucas. "If you want to look at the solar eclipse, only use solar eclipse glasses with specialized filters that meet international standard ISO 12312-2. Even looking at the sun for a small amount of time, even that small sliver that will be visible during the eclipse, you could experience things like retinal burns, blurred vision, temporary vision loss or even permanent eye sight loss."
Lucas said our retinas don't have pain sensors, making it more difficult to know damage is being done.
"Eye damage from looking at the sun may not be immediately apparent when you're looking at the sun," said Lucas. "It could take 12 to 48 hours before those types of symptoms appear."
Lucas said there are some things to keep in mind if you're going to travel to see the full eclipse.
"Please remember not to stop on the shoulder of the highway if you're driving during that time, as that can cause issues with traffic," she said. "Any photographs that are taken should be taken from a safe area, far away from traffic. Make sure you turn your headlights on during that time, as it'll go from light to dark. Also, be very aware of pedestrian traffic. There are going to be a lot of people outside, so we just want everyone to be safe."
Lucas said the special glasses will be available to borrow at open Lambton County Library locations on April 8.
"It's really important to stress that regular sunglasses or homemade filters won't protect your eyes," she said. "Don't look through your camera, or your phone camera lens or binoculars or any other device."
The eyewear will be free to sign out, but there is a limited supply.