SD Fires and scooter issues

[pcbikedude]

It's not over yet. Yes, the wind has shifted which is good news for the people who live on the south and west side of the fires. Bad news because the fires are going different directions. Example: Julian, a mountain town, is now threaten. The fire start just west of there and moved away from them. Now its coming at them.

A new MBer, bullygirl55, lives up there. The whole town was evac'd last night. There's no power or telephone service because KO's by the fire.

Our prayers and thoughts are with you today.

Scooter issue: Now we are dealing with ash. What's the best way of removing it without ruining the finish?

[ericalm]

Today the smoke moved into the SF Valley, causing an eerie haze (yes, more eerie than the usual haze). There has been a little ash, but probably not as much as you're getting.

I definitely recommend that anyone who wears contacts or has sensitive eyes may want to be extra cautious. It didn't take long for the smoke to irritate my eyes, so tomorrow I'll wear my goggles under my faceshield.

The Buddy finish can handle a lot. As long as the ash is not corrosive, I'd think that whatever you usually use to clean your Buddy should be okay. I'd wipe or even blow it off (got a leaf blower?) before using any liquids, though.

[pcbikedude]

I definitely recommend that anyone who wears contacts or has sensitive eyes may want to be extra cautious. It didn't take long for the smoke to irritate my eyes, so tomorrow I'll wear my goggles under my faceshield.

I haven't wore my contacts since Sunday and I may not wear them until Friday. The fine particles in the ash feel like sand paper.

The Buddy finish can handle a lot. As long as the ash is not corrosive, I'd think that whatever you usually use to clean your Buddy should be okay. I'd wipe or even blow it off (got a leaf blower?) before using any liquids, though.

Sound like a quick 40mph ride would do the same thing. Just clean the seat off. After it cools down (the Buddy) then give it a nice bath. I've only started the Buddy up a couple of times since the fires started.

I may consider changing or cleaning the air filter in about a week to get the ash out of that too.

[vitaminC]

This is not scooter-specific, but here is the "official" word about how to clean-up:
http://sosdfireblog.blogspot.com/2007/1 ... eanup.html

San Diego County officials offer this advice on cleanup:

As some residents are allowed back into their homes and neighborhoods, there are several precautions they should take as they begin the task of cleaning up.

· Avoid disseminating ash into the air; do not use leaf blowers or non-HEPA filter vacuums.

· The Regional Water Control Quality Board asks that you avoid washing ash into storm drains if possible.

· Wear gloves, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants to avoid skin contact.

· If you do get ash on your skin, wash it off as soon as possible.

· Wear well-fitting dust masks; those rated N-95 or P-100 provide better protection than simple dust or surgical masks. Persons with heart or lung disease should consult a physician before using a mask.

· Lightly mist indoor and outdoor hard surfaces before gently sweeping ash, followed by wet mopping. On lightly dusted areas, a damp cloth or wet mop may be all that is needed.

· Collected ash may be disposed of in your regular trash collection. Ash may be stored in plastic bags or other containers that will prevent it from being disturbed.

[ericalm]

Okay, so maybe a leaf blower isn't the best way to go...