Citation

Liu S, Quenemoen LE, Malilay J, Noji EK, Sinks T, Mendlein J. Am. J. Public Health 1996; 86(1): 87-89.

Affiliation

Division of Nutrition, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1996, American Public Health Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

8561251

PMCID

PMC1380369

Abstract

Tornado preparedness warning system effectiveness, and shelter-seeking behavior were examined in two Alabama areas after tornado warnings. In the area without sirens, only 28.9% of 194 respondents heard a tornado warning of these, 73.2% first received the warning from radios or television. In the area with sirens, 88.1% of 193 respondents heard a warning, and 61.8% first received the warning from a siren. Knowledge of warnings, access to shelter, and education were key predictors for seeking shelter. Our findings indicate that installing sirens, providing access to shelter, and teaching appropriate responses to warnings are important elements of an effective disaster prevention system.