Sand will bounce around when it hits objects, so you should still try to cover as much of your skin and face as possible. If you cannot get to shelter, crouch down. It minimizes the chance you’ll get hit by something flying.
Do not lie in a ditch, as flash flooding may occur even if no rain is falling where you are. In the actual dust cloud, rain generally dries up before it reaches the ground, but it may be raining nearby, and ditches, arroyos, and other low-lying areas can quickly flood. [5] X Research source If you have a camel, have it sit down and press yourself against its leeward side. Camels are well adapted to surviving in dust storms. If you’re in sand dunes, do not seek shelter right on the leeward side of the dune. The high winds can pick up huge amounts of sand very quickly, and you could find yourself being buried in sand.
If you can quickly reach such shelter before a dust storm reaches you, get there as quickly as possible and stay inside. Close all windows and doors, and wait out the storm. If you’re with other people, stick together to minimize the chances that someone gets lost.
Do not try to outrun a storm on foot. Wind storms are unpredictable, and you could be easily overcome if it suddenly changes direction or picks up speed. Drive to a safe place where you can take shelter until the storm passes.
If you are unable to safely pull off the road, keep your headlights on, turn on your hazard lights, slow down, and proceed with caution, sounding your horn periodically. Use the highway’s centerline to guide you if you can’t see in front of you. Pull over at the nearest safe spot. Turning your headlights off while stationed off the road will reduce the possibility of a rear-end collision. In many cases, if your exterior lights are on, other drivers will use the taillights of the person in front of them as a guide to help navigate the road ahead of them. If you are pulled off the road and are sitting there with your lights on, someone might think they can follow you and run right off the road or even collide with you.
If there’s a good chance you’ll get caught in the storm, it’s advisable not to travel at all. Stay home and batten down the hatches so you won’t risk getting hurt or damaging your car.
A mask designed to filter out small particulates Airtight goggles A water supply A warm blanket, in the event of a winter dust storm, which can quickly lead to hypothermia.
