Nicholas Humphrey Department of Interdisciplinary Studies South Dakota State University

Acknowledgements Dr. Katherine Erdman-Becker, Interdisciplinary Studies, SDSU Dr. Michael Wimberly, GIS Center of Excellence, SDSU Dr. Mark Anderson, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, UNL Dr. Katherine Sherman-Morris, Geosciences, Mississippi State University Kim Klockow, PhD candidate, Geography, OU Support from family and friends!

Defining the Problem Photo by Wikipedia user Ks0Stm

Defining the Problem The National Weather Service issues tornado warnings to provide urgent information and help people protect themselves from a dangerous meteorological hazard. However, evidence suggests that many do not respond properly to warnings with protective action. Evidence gathered via National Weather Service post- event assessments as well as other scientific survey/interview research.

Tuscaloosa, AL Tornado (2011) Photo by Mike Wilhelm

Joplin, MO Tornado (2011) Photo by David Eulitt

Call-to-Action Call-t0-Action Statement: THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND LIFE THREATENING SITUATION. IF YOU CANNOT GET UNDERGROUND GO TO A STORM SHELTER OR AN INTERIOR ROOM OF A STURDY BUILDING NOW.

Tornado Warning Compliance The behavior by which an individual takes protective action in response to a tornado warning can be referred to as compliance. Compliance can be further defined by the terms hard, soft, and non-compliance. Hard Compliance: “Instant” intent to take action. Soft Compliance: Delayed intent until condition is met. Non-Compliance: No intent to take action.

Research Questions Why do people behave the way they do during tornado warnings? How can compliance with tornado warning call-to- action statements for protective action be improved?

Sub-Disciplines Weather Forecasting Meteorology Hazard Geography Cognitive Psychology Social Psychology

Methodology Interdisciplinary Research Process Disciplinary Literature Review Identifying Conflicts Finding common ground through integration techniques

Literature Review – Key Theories Risk Communication Theory Differentiation and Consolidation Theory Signal Detection Theory Theory of Planned Behavior Social Exchange Theory

Conflict between Theories Risk Communication Theory explains the communication process from the reception of the warning to the response. The process of how one actually believes, personalizes and responds are not explained. Psychological theories provide variables for decision- making and behavior. The theories do not deal with the communication process leading to the response to warnings.

Integration Strategy and Resultant Interdisciplinary Theory Theory Extension The extension in the scope of a disciplinary theory to encompass the variables of other disciplinary theories. Extended Risk Communication Theory Integrates Risk Communication Theory and the psychological theories of decision-making and behavior.

Implications Individuals go through circular decision-making processes by which they ultimately respond to a tornado warning. Process may take time and may be accompanied by criteria by which must be met before responding. Explains why most individuals are “soft compliant”. Tornado warnings are treated as individual phenomenon to people as opposed to geographical phenomeon.

Recommendations for Meteorologists/Emergency Managers When a tornado warning is issued, provide as much impact-based information as possible. Change attitudes toward taking protective action and the value of such action. Meteorologists must understand they are not the only source of influence within the minds of people who are making decisions during tornado warnings.

Questions?