Growing up in West Texas we are accustomed to the wind. I feel like most of my life here I have had to prepare for high winds way more than any winter storm. While most of the country and even Texas prepare for the winter months, here in the Permian Basin we have to stay prepared for the wind.

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I remember experiencing my first haboob. I was around 8 and my mom and I were driving out to west Odessa. When I turned to look behind us, I could see a wall of red dirt heading our way. The site was so scary because it looked like something you would see from a movie.

Instead of making a winter prepare list, let's discuss how we can prepare for the common windy days here in West Texas.

SECURE ITEMS IN YOUR YARD

When I first moved into my house the previous owners had left behind a trampoline. We were young and didn't understand what measures to take to own a trampoline. The first wind storm in the house we hunkered down and thought everything was fine. Later I took my dog out to use the restroom and our tampoline wasn't in our backyard anymore. To this day we don't know who happened to inherit our trampoline.

HAVE OUR ALLERGY MEDICINE HANDY

Considering most of my household has severe allergies and has to use inhalers, this one is important. High winds bring dust and pollen from other locations. If your body isn't used to them, you will have more of a reaction than your regular seasonal allergies. One windstorm brought smoke from a nearby mountain fire and caused my partner to have an asthma attack. Have your medicine on hand, it's better to be safe than sorry.

CARRY A FACE MASK

Sometimes no matter how much medicine you have handy, you will still have to take extra precautions. After Covid, everyone has some leftover masks lying around. It never hurts to wear a mask on windy days to create an extra layer between you and the dust in the air.

CUT DEAD TREES AND LIMBS

If you have dead trees or limbs on your property they should be cut down. High winds can blow over a dead tree, this could create a hassle if it were to fall on your house. While we can replace material things, someone could get seriously injured by a tree or limb falling on them.

BRING PETS INSIDE

Fur babies should be protected at all costs! Imagine, having to sit outside during a wind storm not understanding what's happening. To keep them from stressing out or getting hurt, bring them in until the high winds recede.

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