Sociology Faculty Publications and Presentations
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-18-2012
Abstract
Recent research in three Southern states supplied data describing the role community structure and culture played in shaping public response to tornado risks. The following study identifies and describes how residents received, made sense of, and ultimately used information to make decisions about responding to warnings. In addition to a range of theoretical concerns, research was also intended to develop a set of safety policies derived from what the data reveals about the social psychology of risk perception, economic constraints to shelter, and the cultural aspects of response.Data analysis reveals a diverse set of social factors governing community response to tornado warnings, including social networks, language, issues in comprehension, siren ambiguities, false alarms, tornado tracking, local business behaviors, warning specificity, and cultural myths.
Recommended Citation
Donner, William R.; Rodriguez, Havidan; and Diaz, Walter (2012) "Tornado Warnings in ThreeSouthern States: A Qualitative Analysis of Public Response Patterns,"Journal of HomelandSecurity and Emergency Management: Vol. 9: Iss. 2, Article 5. DOI: 10.1515/1547-7355.1955
Publication Title
Journal of Homeland Security and Emergency Management
DOI
10.1515/1547-7355.1955
Included in
Environmental Education Commons, Oceanography and Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology Commons, Sociology Commons
Comments
©2012 De Gruyter. All rights reserved.