It’s on the news, it’s in the newspaper and if you’re not careful, it could end up on you too.

In the past week, Mount St. Helens has blown off several white plumes of steam and ash several hundred feet in to the air. 

Scientists say there is little chance of a reoccurrence of the 1980 eruption that blew more than 1,000 feet into the air, killed 57 people and coated the local area with ash. However, they’re not sure exactly what will take place in the coming weeks.

No one knows for sure what Mount St. Helens has in store for the Pacific Northwest, but it behooves all to know what to do in case of an eruption.

First, the good news.

Even in the event of a full-throttle eruption that involves, in the immortal words of Dr. Evil, liquid hot magma, this should not impact Snohomish or Kitsap counties.

However, one effect of an eruption that could wreak havoc with local residents lives are the effects of ashfall. 

According to the U.S. Geo-logical Survey Web site, ashfall is volcanic ash that has been pulverized into dust or sand by volcanic activity.  It is sent into the atmosphere by the eruption and can travel thousands of miles.

While not highly toxic, ash can cause trouble for children, the elderly, and people with repertory ailments. 

This ash can also chafe and jam machinery and clog ventilation, water supplies, and drainage systems. Wet ash can cause electrical shorts and can corrode metal.

Ash accumulates like snowfall, but doesn’t melt.  The weight of ash can cause roofs to collapse. A one-inch layer of ash weighs five to 10 pounds per square foot when dry, but 10-15 pounds per square foot when wet.

Ash is especially rough on vehicles. The USGS says that, if possible, people should avoid driving their cars during ashfall or directly afterwards.

If driving is a necessity, ensure that the vehicle is driven slowly, headlights are on and that the windshield wiper fluid is topped off.

Oil, oil filters, and air filters must be changed frequently. Change them out every 50 to 100 miles in heavy dust and 500 to 1,000 miles in light dust.

While at home, the USGS suggests that all doors and windows remain closed.  Damp towels should be placed at door thresholds and drafty windows should be taped.

Because of the weight of ash, it is imperative to remove ash from rooftops before it accumulates. Most roofs can’t support more than four inches of wet ash, so ensure that rooftops and gutters are swept and shoveled.

Residents and guests should remove outdoor clothing before entering the house and make sure to dust often with vacuum attachments rather than with cloths. 

In all cases, use dust masks and eye protection.  If you don’t have a dust mask, use a wet handkerchief.

For more information on ashfall, it’s effects, and how to prepare for it, contact the USGS at (360) 993-8900 or checkout its Web site at http://www.wa.gov/wsem{{PERIOD}}