Previous Experience and Tornado Preparedness in DeKalb County, Alabama

Previous experience with hazards influences people's perceptions about hazards in a variety of ways. This article investigates the influence of past experiences with tornadoes on preparedness for a tornado. A questionnaire survey study was conducted immediately following the April 2011 tornado disaster in DeKalb County, Alabama. Past experience characteristics included number of tornadoes, time (years) elapsed, seeing or hearing the tornado, seeking shelter, and experiencing damage. Tornado preparedness included owning a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio, participating in a tornado drill, having a tornado-resistant shelter on the premises (basement, underground shelter, or safe room), and having a plan for seeking shelter. The results will help emergency mangers in developing education programs in communities recently impacted by a tornado. The findings will also provide insight into aspects of household preparedness that would likely receive greater support from local residents in efforts to build resilience following a tornado disaster.