By Dipti Nair

Qatar is bracing for a sandstorm over the next few days. A powerful sandstorm can reduce visibility and impact your health, particularly if you suffer from asthma, allergies, or other respiratory conditions. It's important to stay prepared and take necessary precautions to ensure your safety. Here are 9 essential tips to help you navigate through the sandstorm and protect yourself and your loved ones.

Stay Indoors

The best way to stay safe during a sandstorm is to avoid being outside. Limit outdoor activities as much as possible, especially during the peak storm hours when the intensity of the sandstorm is at its highest. If you do need to go outside, ensure you're fully prepared. Wear a mask to cover your nose and mouth and sunglasses to protect your eyes from irritants. A good mask, like an N95, will help filter out small dust particles that could otherwise harm your lungs.

Seal Your Home

Keep your home as airtight as possible to minimize the amount of dust that enters. Close all windows and doors and check for any gaps that might allow dust inside. Set your air conditioning to recirculation mode to prevent outdoor air from being drawn into your living space, thus keeping indoor air clean.

No Contact Lenses

Contact lenses may irritate your eyes during a sandstorm. Instead, opt for glasses to shield your eyes from dust and prevent irritation. If you do not wear glasses, use sunglasses to protect your eyes.

Take Medication for Allergies

If you suffer from allergies, it's wise to take antihistamines before the storm hits, as this can help reduce the risk of an allergic reaction due to the dust. Make sure you have your prescribed medications readily available, as sandstorms can trigger flare-ups in people with respiratory conditions or allergies.

Be Extra Cautious while Driving

If you need to drive during a sandstorm, take extra care. Drive slowly and keep your headlights on to ensure you're visible to other drivers. Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. Be prepared to slow down or stop if the storm intensifies.

In Case of Poor Visibility, Pull Over Safely

If visibility becomes too poor to drive safely, it's better to pull over and wait for the storm to pass. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers of your presence. Park in a safe area, away from the flow of traffic, and stay inside your vehicle until the storm clears up.

Wash away the Dust

Maintaining proper hygiene during a sandstorm is crucial to minimize the harmful effects of dust and debris. Keep washing your face, hands, and any exposed skin to remove dust particles that can irritate your skin and eyes. The dust can contain allergens and pollutants, so washing frequently helps to prevent irritation and keeps your skin clean. If dust happens to get into your eyes, avoid rubbing them, instead, gently rinse your eyes with clean water to flush out any particles.

Emergency Signs to Watch For

In some cases, a sandstorm can trigger more serious health issues. Seek medical help immediately if you experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, or severe coughing. These could be signs of a more serious condition that needs urgent attention.

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