Emergency manager operations, training, technology access, and tornado warning dissemination.

In September 2009, seven CASA researchers from such disciplines as geography, political science, computer science, resource economics, human factors, and radar engineering participated in the Oklahoma Emergency Management Association (OEMA) annual meeting in Tulsa, Oklahoma along with almost 300 EMs. CASA was a sponsor of the meeting, operated a booth, and gave an invited presentation in collaboration with EMs James Nimrod and Greg Whitworth. In addition, CASA researchers conducted three focus groups (N=55) and distributed a self-administered survey (N=62). The goal of the research was to understand 1) the use of spotter networks, 2) training and access to technology, 3) warning dissemination, including how, when and where tornado warnings are issued, and 4) feedback on CASA products. This qualitative and quantitative research confirms and expands CASA's current models of EM decision-making and will influence future test bed design. It confirms the broad range of jurisdictional responsibilities and operational procedures among the EM community. CASA's continued success in working with this community will depend upon having flexible products and data delivery strategies that address different training levels, tasks, and access to technology.

Key results on spotters include the fact that spotters are key sources of verification data with 82% of EMs regularly using spotters when a tornado threat is present. The EMs primarily communicate with spotters by cell phone (86 percent), radio (86 percent), and/or HAM radio (43 percent, n=21). Half (n=26) of the EMs reported that spotters do not self-deploy, while 46 percent reported that spotters always or sometimes self-deploy. Of those EMs who deploy their spotters, 76% report using radar to determine where to place spotters or to keep them safe in the field. Most spotters do not have access to radar data while in the field (64 percent, n= 33); therefore communications with EMs and the NWS who are accessing radar data are critical in helping to keep spotters safe in the field. With respect to warning the public about tornado threats, sirens are the primary method, used by EMs, followed by NOAA weather radios. Results indicate 55% of respondents have the ability to warn the public by sub-region, but many do not always use it, because they are risk adverse. EM's were asked what the ideal lead time is to warn the public about an impending tornado threat. The median ideal warning time was 23 minutes, compared to the national average of 14 minutes. 

This research has resulted in a peer-reviewed article entitled, "Emergency Manager Decision-Making and Tornado Warning Communication" which was recently accepted for publication in an upcoming special issue of the journal Meteorological Applications called "Communicating Meteorology." CASA's participation in the OEMA meeting and the development of the article was led by CASA social scientists Cedar League and Walter Diaz.

 CASA researchers Cedar League, Walter Diaz, and David Westbrook talk with an EM.