When Sand Attacks

“If you put the federal government in charge of the Sahara Desert, in 5 years there'd be a shortage of sand”- economist Milton Friedman

Today’s blog post will let pictures do most of the talking. On September 23 Sydney, Australia, suffered its worst dust storm in 70 years. Wild winds swept millions of tons of red dust from the continent's drought-ravaged interior and dumped it on coast. Residents woke up to a “hellish” red sky. The thick air cut visibility to less than 100 meters delaying or canceling flights, ferries, and most forms of pubic transportation. Workers and commuters choked on the dust and emergency departments were flooded with calls. Sydney's air is expected to remain choked with particles for up to three days.

Bottom Line

Dust storms were not something on my preparedness radar before. But sand and dust can travel a long ways. The ash from Mt. Saint Helens traveled many hundreds of miles. Fine sand from the Sahara in Africa blows across the Atlantic and endangers coral reefs in the Caribbean.

What to do in a dust storm? Stay at home, seal all windows facing the wind (but allow some fresh air into the house from the sheltered side), and have a supply of face masks on hand. Protect your eyes and ears from sand. Do not travel alone.

http://www.justincasearizona.com/be-informed/natural-disasters/dust-storms.asp
http://www.wikihow.com/Survive-a-Dust-Storm-or-Sandstorm