Ways to Protect Yourself From a Dust Storm

Protect Your Breathing

• Some of the dust particles prevalent in a dust storm are so fine that they can be breathed into the lungs. Coarse particles only get into the nose and throat and are not as hazardous as the finer particles that get into the lungs where they can cause damage. Fortunately, most of the particles in a dust storm are coarse, but if you have emphysema, asthma or other breathing issues, then you may have breathing difficulties during a dust storm. Protect yourself by not going outside during a dust storm and not doing any exercise. Make sure that all doors and windows are closed, and seal any cracks under doorways. Air-conditioned buildings are safest. If you have difficulty breathing, seek medical attention.

Drive Slowly

• During a dust storm visibility can suddenly become very poor without warning. If you are driving and cannot see the road ahead, slow down, put headlights on and drive with caution. If you cannot see more than fifty yards ahead of you, then it is safer to pull over to the side of the road and wait for the dust storm to pass and for the dust to settle. In a car with air conditioning you can lower the amount of dust getting into the car by setting the switch on the incoming air to the "recirculate" setting.

Limit Exposure

• If, for some reason, you are caught by surprise and are outside during a dust storm, then the best way to protect yourself is to cover your mouth and nose with a piece of fabric or clothing to prevent dust from getting into your respiratory tract. Your eyes are also particularly vulnerable during a dust storm, so put on sunglasses for added protection. Try to find some rudimentary shelter and wait for the storm to pass so that you don't become lost and disoriented. If there is absolutely no shelter, curl up into a ball to minimize your exposure to the stinging sand, and face away from the direction of the wind.

Be Prepared

• Of course, the best way to protect yourself from a dust storm is by avoiding it completely. If you know you are entering an area that is prone to dust storms, check for current weather conditions and any information about approaching dust storms. If you are in a vehicle and you can see a dust storm approaching, try to get away from it by heading in the opposite direction. Carry a set of goggles and a dust mask with you so that you can use them in the event of a dust storm.