The following is a press release from Maple Valley Fire and Life Safety

This Monday, Aug. 21, many people in this country will be watching the solar eclipse as it travels across the continental U.S.

Not surprisingly, there are people who are trying to take advantage of others by selling solar eclipse glasses and viewers that offer little or no eye protection to the people using them. The danger is that watching the eclipse with fake protective equipment can lead to permanent eye damage or blindness.

You want to watch this once in a life-time event safely. How can you be sure you are buying the right ones?

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, know the facts on eclipse glasses. Only glasses and viewers verified by an accredited testing laboratory to meet ISO 12312-2 are safe to use when viewing the eclipse. This standard requires glasses and viewers to be thousands of times darker than typical sunglasses.

It may be hard to tell the difference between genuine protective gear and fake glasses/viewers as some counterfeit makers are placing ISO labels on them. The American Astronomical Society (AAS) has guidance to help eclipse watchers determine if their eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers are safe. In addition, NASA recommends that eclipse watchers refer to the AAS’s website for a list of reputable vendors selling solar glasses and viewers.

The U.S. Fire Administration is asking local fire departments to alert their residents about the potential dangers of purchasing and using fake eye protection.

Please research carefully before you purchase yours, so that you can witness this truly unique opportunity safely.