Are You Watching or Warning? the Role of Comprehension, Warning Lead Time and Prior Experience On Individual Preparation of Tornadic Events

This study examines how prior experience with tornados and predicted warning lead times of severe weather may influence one’s willingness to take protective action when a potential tornadic event is imminent. Using theoretical constructs from the Protective Action Decision Model and Risk Information Seeking and Processing model, the project examines how individuals make decisions about taking protective action and what factors motivate them during severe weather. The overall focus of the study is the impact of prior experience with tornados, geographic location and amount of warning lead time on an individual’s likelihood to prepare for potential severe weather. A survey of 679 mid-south residents provided insight into their perceptions of warning language and events. Results indicated that individuals who live in rural areas and those who have more prior experience with tornadic events are more likely to engage in protective behavior. Further, an interaction was noted, indicating those with more prior experience with tornados reporting that they needed less warning lead time to prepare when compared to those with less prior experience, who reported they wished for more lead warning time. Finally, definitions of “tornado warning” noted that more than half of participants did correctly identify its meaning.