Field research to application: a study of human response to the 2011, Joplin tornado and its impact on alerts and warnings in the USA

An EF-5 tornado occurred on May 22, 2011, in the populated area of Joplin, Missouri, causing 161 fatalities and over 1000 injuries. A conceptual model of protective action decision making was developed based on interviews with Joplin tornado survivors to further understand the factors that influenced decision making and sheltering behavior in the 2011 storm. The model showed that the majority of survivors decided at some point before the tornado hit that the act of seeking protection was not necessary, primarily due to a lack of tornado-related physical cues; previous experiences with tornadoes via false alarms; confusing and/or inconsistent emergency communication regarding the tornado; and/or tornado beliefs about Joplin’s geography. These individuals took action to protect themselves after witnessing audible or visual cues signaling imminent danger to them. Since this work was completed, efforts have been underway to translate this research from theory to practice. Namely, the findings from this work have been developed into guidance for communities on alerting for tornadoes, including the development of message templates and decision-making tools to improve methods for communicating with populations under imminent threat of tornadoes and other wind storm events.