Mumbai hoarding collapse: How to stay safe during unexpected dust storm

Rains and gusty winds lashed parts of Mumbai and neighbouring metropolitan areas on Monday disrupting normal life and leaving 14 people dead and 74 people injured. While we cannot prevent dust storms, we may take steps to reduce their impact on our health. Preventive actions can be implemented where dust storms are widespread to decrease exposure to fine dust particles and prevent dust-related health concerns.

When a storm is approaching, you must take considerable precautions to secure your safety. When a storm comes, it's time to act fast and prepare for the worst. We may not be able to control the desert winds, but our readiness can turn us from being at risk to being successful. Here's how you can prepare yourself before a dust storm arrives. 

How to protect yourself from dust storms

• If you are on the way during a storm, do not stay under a tree or anywhere near a wall.
• Keep distance from electric poles and any such place where there is a danger of electric shock.
• If the storm is very strong then try to stop your vehicle at an open place for some time.
• Apart from this, try to get help by calling the numbers issued by the administration.

What to do if you are in home? 

• If there is a possibility of a storm, all the switches in the house should be closed and the plugs should be removed from the switch board.
• Remove such things from the balcony which may fly or fall during a storm, otherwise someone may get hurt.
• If a storm is coming, immediately turn off things inside the house that may cause fire, such as stove, stove or other things.
• If a storm is coming, do not stand on the balcony of your house. Windows and doors should also be closed properly.
• If any part of the house is weak, then in case of any kind of apprehension, go out immediately or hide under such things where there is no possibility of injury to the head etc.