Date: Fri, 08 Oct 2004 10:20:37 -0400
From: ropeyarn@gmail.com
Newsgroups: misc.consumers.house
Subject: Re: Mt St Helens advice wanted

John Davies wrote:
> 
> I live downwind about 250 miles from the volcano. I have read warnings
> form authorities about preparing your house for ashfall. While I don't
> expect any large quantities, I would not be surprised to see about an
> inch.
> 
> I would like to hear some first hand accounts of those who suffered
> after the 1980 explosion - I was not living in the area at the time.
> Here in Spokane the city had to get out the snowplows to clear the
> roads. The ash was so thick the sky was black. It took less than 4 hrs
> from the initial explosion to the time the ash reached the city.
> 
> Specifically, how do you get the ash off your roof and gutters? I read
> that 4 inches of wet ash can collapse a roof. I don't see any way you
> could walk on it.
> 
> Should I block off my downspout openings or disconnect the downspouts?
> (they lead to underground drain pipes).
> 
> What steps should I take to slow ash intrusion into my house, besides
> blocking air inlets and shutting all the windows?
> 
> What's it like when you have to drive - is it slippery like loose
> beach sand or does it blow out from under your tires? Is poor
> visibility the main hazard?
> 
> I woud appreciate any real-world advice - hypothetical drivel not
> needed.
> 
> BTW: here's a very interesting fact sheet:
> http://wrgis.wr.usgs.gov/fact-sheet/fs036-00/
> 
> Thanks.
> 
> John
> 
> John Davies  TLCA 14732
> http://home.comcast.net/~johnedavies/
> '96 Lexus LX450
> '00 Audi A4 1.8T quattro
> Spokane WA USA


One thing is for sure:
Any substantial amounts may become an issue for your 'puter and other
electronics. When I was stationed in Greece, we received some equipment
that had been "salvaged" from Clark and Subic after Mount Pinatubo
erupted. What didn't go directly in the trash required massive amounts
of "Dust-Off" and other measures to get reasonably cleaned again.

Good luck!