Dust storms and haboobs: safety guide¶

Dust storms and haboobs are sudden, massive walls of blowing dust and sand driven by thunderstorm winds. They reduce visibility to near zero in seconds, creating severe highway hazards.

Do this now¶

1. If driving: pull completely off the paved roadway, park, turn off your lights, set your emergency brake, and take your foot off the brake pedal.
2. If indoors: stay inside, close all windows, doors, and air vents, and turn off air conditioning systems.
3. If outdoors: seek shelter immediately. Cover your nose and mouth with a damp cloth or mask, and protect your eyes.
4. Wait until the dust wall passes before resuming driving or going outside.

Vehicle safety: Pull Off, Lights Off, Foot Off¶

Car collisions during dust storms happen when drivers slow down on the highway and trailing vehicles crash into them from behind.

Official safety guidance from transportation and weather services recommends:

1. Pull completely off the road: Move your vehicle as far to the right as possible, past the shoulder onto dirt or gravel.
2. Turn off all vehicle lights: Turn off your headlights, taillights, and hazard lights. Drivers behind you in blinding dust often follow light patterns and may drive directly into your parked car.
3. Set the park brake: Put the vehicle in park and take your foot off the brake pedal so your brake lights stay dark.
4. Stay buckled inside: Keep your seatbelt fastened until the storm passes.

Health safety during blowing dust¶

Dust storms carry fine particulate matter, agricultural chemicals, fungal spores, and debris.

• Cover your face with an N95 respirator mask or a damp cloth over your mouth and nose.
• Protect your eyes with tight-fitting safety goggles or wrap-around sunglasses.
• If you have asthma or respiratory conditions, stay indoors with an air purifier running.

Related guides¶

• Thunderstorms and lightning
• Car breakdown on a highway
• Be prepared
• Emergency numbers