Q&A for How to Survive a Dust Storm or Sandstorm

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How do you get a stuck grain of sand out of your eye?

Luxme Hariharan, MD, MPH
Board Certified Ophthalmologist
Dr. Luxme Hariharan is a Board Certified Pediatric Ophthalmologist. She currently is a Pediatric Ophthalmologist at Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami, Florida. She specializes in pediatric ophthalmology and preventing childhood blindness. Dr. Hariharan has worked with global institutions including the World Health Organization, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Orbis, and Sightlife. She holds a BS in Biology and Latin American, Caribbean & Iberian Studies from The University of Wisconsin-Madison, a Masters of Public Health (MPH) in International Health, Child Health, Epidemiology & Biostatistics from Johns Hopkins University, and an MD from The University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is a member and serves on several committees within the American Academy of Ophthalmology, The American Academy of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus; and sits on the board of directors of Combat Blindness International.

Luxme Hariharan, MD, MPH

Board Certified Ophthalmologist

Expert Answer

Flush it out with water, if you can. If it doesn't come out after the initial irrigation, see an eye care provider (especially if your eye is red, painful, and irritated).

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Question

How do I protect my pets during a dust storm?

Community Answer

Keep them indoors. If you are forced to go outside and you can carry them, wrap them loosely in a blanket or towel.

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Question

What if the dust is radioactive?

Community Answer

Then you have much, much bigger problems. Cover yourself in as much protective material, and as many layers, as possible; it is imperative not to let it enter your body. Regardless, seek specialized medical attention immediately. Once the storm abates, strip off and dispose of all exposed material if possible, and make sure that any exposed skin is scoured as clean as possible. It cannot be stressed enough how bad radioactive particulates are for your body. Assume that you have taken a lethal dose of radiation and will begin to exhibit symptoms of radiation sickness imminently. Assume that without advanced medical intervention immediately, you will die. Anything better is a bonus.

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What if I'm walking on a straight plain?

Community Answer

Put your shirt over your nose and mouth, and try to find shelter.

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Why would I need a camel?

Community Answer

Sometimes people travel in deserts, where sandstorms frequently happen. You might have a camel there with you.

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Question

What do I do if a window in my car is broken or jammed and I have no mask?

Community Answer

Use anything you can find for a replacement; cover your face with a shirt or any other available article of clothing.

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Question

What if I have nothing?

Community Answer

Use your clothing as a mask and seek shelter.

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Question

What if the car is locked?

Community Answer

Get under your car and lay flat on the ground, covering your ears and nose and closing your eyes.

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Question

What happens if you stay in a sandstorm?

Community Answer

Seek shelter or a vehicle, and try to stay away from windows. Get to inner rooms if you're in a house.

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What is the best way to survive a dust storm in a house?

Community Answer

Go to an inner room and find something to duck under and close the door.

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Why would someone have a camel?

Community Answer

Someone might be riding a camel when this happens and could be unaware of the dust storm.

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Question

Where can I find masks to survive a sandstorm?

Community Answer

Any clothing you have -- even your trousers -- can work. Ideally, use a shirt, as it's thin and easy to carry.

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How do I survive a radioactive dust storm?

Community Answer

You're going to have much bigger problems here than the wind. Do not expose your skin; cover as much of it as possible. You will need to cover your face. Any exposed skin must be washed very thoroughly. Dispose of all clothing in contact with the radioactive sand/dust afterward.

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How do I survive a sandstorm if I am in an open vehicle?

Community Answer

Get underneath the vehicle. Lie down on your belly, and close your eyes, nose and mouth. A makeshift mask may be needed (shirt or any clothing) for breathing.

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How do I deal with being in a sandstorm alone?

Community Answer

Find shelter and cover your face with a mask. Seek high ground if the sandstorm doesn't have lightning.

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Question

How do I survive a dust storm if I have asthma?

Community Answer

Get a mask for your face, and find shelter. If you're sheltered from the wind, then you can breathe freely. If not, turn the opposite direction from the wind when using an inhaler.

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Question

Could I wrap a plastic bag around my eyes during a dust storm if I have nothing else to cover them?

Community Answer

Yes, it will be better than nothing.

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Question

What do I do if I'm inside my home during a sandstorm?

Community Answer

Go into a room in the middle of the house, close the door, and get under something.

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Question

Will a sandstorm's wind blow me down?

Community Answer

Yes it will, although it should not hurt you badly. But try to find cover/shelter.

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Question

Is it good to take showers or baths during a dust storm?

Community Answer

It's not recommended, as you ideally should be in the middle of your house with the doors locked and all windows shut. But if the storm isn't severe then it's fine to take a shower.

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Question

Should I use something bigger and wider than my face when covering it during a dust storm?

Community Answer

That would be ideal, but all you need is a mask for your nose/mouth. If you are sheltered under a car, then a mask is not necessary.

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How do I survive if I have no clothing, shelter, or objects to hide behind in a dust storm?

Community Answer

Lie down on your belly and do your best to close your eyes, nose, and mouth. (It's pretty unlikely you will be caught naked in a dust storm, though.)

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Question

What if I am on a highway and I am on a motorcycle?

Galasy4969

Top Answerer

In a car, pull over to the side of the road and put it in park. Put your air on recirculate (if possible), and lock all doors. On a motorcycle, pull off the road, stop the engine, and lie face-down in a ditch. If you have something to cover your face with to assist you from not breathing in sand, make use of this too, like a scarf, shirt or other fabric.

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Question

How do I survive a dust storm when I'm in the middle of nowhere?

Galasy4969

Top Answerer

Find a low spot and lie face-down. This will prevent your face from being hit with dust. If you can breathe through a piece of cloth, this will help prevent you from breathing in as much dust.

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Question

If you are in a pool where do you go?

FBI

Community Answer

It depends on what pool you are in. If you're in a community pool, then run to your car. If you didn't bring a car, cover your head up in towels or blankets. Then you can either sit down and wait for the storm to pass or walk home on foot. If you are in your backyard pool, head inside your house. If you have any pets, bring them inside with you.

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Question

What do I do if I have nothing to protect me during a dust storm? How do I get shelter in the middle of a desert?

Community Answer

Use the clothes you have to cover your face and lie down. If you have a camel, lie on the opposite side of the storm near it, it will help protect you from the dust.

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