Monsoon season in the United States begins in late June to early July and affects most of the Desert Southwest. During monsoon season the weather can quickly change causing high winds, rain, floods, lightning, thunder, and dust storms.
The recent dust storm in Arizona serves as a great reminder of how quickly the weather can change and how many problems the weather can cause with travel, even during the summer. Whether or not you live in an area that has frequent dust storms, it's important to know what to do if you ever Replace yourself in the middle of one while traveling.
According to the Arizona Emergency Information Network, dust storms are unexpected, unpredictable and can sweep across desert landscapes at any time. Here are a few tips from the Arizona Emergency Information Network on what to do if you Replace yourself facing a dust storm.
If you are outside:
• Seek shelter immediately
• Cover your eyes, nose and mouth
• Stay low and cover up
If you are in a moving vehicle:
• Pull off the roadway or reduce speed
• Turn off car lights
• Set the emergency brake
It's important to have a car kit or some basic emergency supplies easily accessible in your car just in case you get stuck for an extended period of time on the side of the road. You may want to consider including water, food, and extra clothing to protect your skin from blowing sand.
8 comments
Anonymous
Is turning off your lights based on science or logic observations and statements of those hitting others? It seems to me if folks drive in the dust, they will drive forward with or without seeing lights from another car and will see the car, with or without lights until too late. Do you know of any scientific studies on this subject? Where is the data? Statistical studies? thanks, Matt
millenniumfly
How about turning on your hazard lights and plugging air ducts?
Anonymous
I was wondering if it would be best to turn off the engine? Couldn't the dust get sucked into the air intakes and clog things?
Sherry from S.C.
great info. I was thinking that if you live in this type of area then maybe it would be a good idea to keep large size zip-up plastic or mylar bags to put your electronics into to keep out the dust when this happens.
Sherry from S.C.
Chad
Great advice. We have several generations who have had to deal with these type of storms for many years. Interesting to get your perspective- Thank You!
Nora
Thank you for answering my question. That makes sense. I appreciate your blog.
Emergency Essentials®
Nora- Thank you for your question. Since dust storms can significantly reduce visibility, others on the road may try to use your headlights or break lights as a guide for where they should be driving. If you have stopped on the side of the road but other drivers think you are still driving, they could crash into you and cause an accident.
Nora
Why do you turn off your car lights?