How to survive in a dustbowl?

Check out swamp cooler and other forms of “evaporative” coolers. These are ideal for cooling if you live in a hot, dry climate, since they depend on the evaporation of water to effect cooling. You may not need to leave the windows open as much as you think.

How about attaching a fine mesh (wire or nylon) over the window frames? These may act as a filter to keep some of the dust out.

Even if you have traditional screens in your window, the size if the holes may be big enough to let in most of the dust. A finer mesh could add more protection.

Can you afford an electrostatic air filter? Are they available in your area? They work great for pulling particles out of the air.

Wow, I had no idea I knew so little about home gadgets. @LuckyGuy, thanks for the suggestion; I’ll see if I can track down something like that. @cprevite, I do have screens and they’re in the smallest size available. I’m not sure they help with the dust but they do a good job with the bugs and flies… :)

If it’s feasible, try keeping the property around your house well watered.

Put awnings or eaves above all your doors and windows, then hang sheets of cloth over them, down to the ground, similar to this This one is about six feet out from the side, I would suggest a shorter one, about 3 feet from the wall.
This one is much more reasonable, should be covered on all three sides.
Or this one See several versions here