Weather Emergencies
Sandstorm in the desert: what to do?
Sandstorm in the desert: the right reflexes in a few simple steps.
Written by Mohamed IDBRAHIM · Updated octubre 13, 2026 · 7 min read
Immediate actions
- 1 Stop driving and cover your nose and mouth.
- 2 Wait for visibility to return before moving.
- 3 In a building, seal doors and windows.
- 4 Keep water and a mask with you.
What not to do / warning
Sandstorms can drop visibility to zero in minutes.
When a sandstorm in the desert happens, the first minutes matter. Follow these steps to act safely and without panic.
What to do right now
- Stop driving and cover your nose and mouth.
- Wait for visibility to return before moving.
- In a building, seal doors and windows.
- Keep water and a mask with you.
Mistakes to avoid
- Acting before removing the immediate source of danger.
- Panicking or skipping the official procedures.
- Following unverified advice from the internet.
How to prevent this in the future
Regular checks, keeping the emergency numbers visible and preparing an essentials kit go a long way. Save this guide for offline access.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do first?
Ensure everyone is safe, remove the source of danger, then call the relevant number or begin the official procedure.
When should I call emergency services?
Whenever life, serious injury or fire is involved. When in doubt, call — dispatchers would rather check than miss an emergency.