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Haboob and Severe Dust Storm Emergency Response

A haboob is an intense, wall-like dust storm carried by strong cold downdrafts from convective thunderstorms across arid and semi-arid terrain. Haboobs arrive rapidly, dropping visibility to zero within seconds and creating severe highway pileups and respiratory hazards.

Driving Safety Rules During a Haboob

  1. Pull Off the Road Immediately: If you encounter a dust wall while driving, pull completely off the paved roadway as far right as possible.
  2. Turn Off Vehicle Lights:
  3. Park your vehicle, engage the parking brake, and turn off all exterior vehicle lights.
  4. Taking your foot off the brake pedal ensures brake lights are extinguished. Drivers behind you in zero visibility will follow tail lights and crash into parked vehicles.
  5. Stay Inside With Seatbelts Fastened: Remain inside the vehicle with seatbelts buckled until the dust storm passes.

Outdoor and Home Shelter Actions

  • Outdoor Protection:
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a damp cloth, bandana, or N95 mask to prevent inhaling airborne silica and soil pathogens.
  • Protect eyes with goggles or wrapped sunglasses.
  • Seek shelter on higher ground away from trees or power lines that could be blown down.
  • Indoor Preparation:
  • Close all exterior doors, windows, and fireplace dampers.
  • Shut down HVAC systems and evaporative coolers to prevent blowing sand into indoor ductwork.