“There was no warning.” How many times have storm victims who found their way out of the rubble and into a video camera lens say those very words? It’s one of the largest frustrations of all who participate in the Integrated Warning System.
What “There Was No Warning” Really Says
Chuck Doswell had this comment following the storms in the Dallas area over the Christmas 2015 holiday weekend.
I’ve not done the surveys and research, but it seems pretty clear to me that when people interviewed by the media make the counterfactual “it struck without warning” statement, what they mean is that no one contacted them personally and told them that they needed to take shelter.
I know I’m preaching to the choir, but I’m doing it with a purpose. Would you pass this on to as many friends and family as you can? The group that understands and accepts personal responsibility for being informed is a choir that needs to grow much larger! Your like or share may save a life.
Chuck’s original thoughts are worth a read — https://cadiiitalk.blogspot.com/2015/12/just-who-is-responsible-for-your-safety.html
Will You Someday Say “There Was No Warning?”
Probably. An interesting statistic that goes along with these tornado myths Mark posted last year…each of us needs to hear the same warning from three different sources before we will take action, according to social scientists.
When was the last time you heard a warning and headed outside to see it for yourself? You just proved their point.
Prevent “No Warning” Syndrome
Weather radios (I still have a hard time calling them all-hazards alert radios) should be one of your first-lines of being informed. They are available for your home/business and in a hand-held form you can take anywhere.
Apps for your smart phone are also a good idea. I’d recommend two or three of them…you can really fine-tune them these days to only warn you of the real threats where you are.
Where does KSStorm.Info Fit?
Although we post a lot to social media during the active chase phase, social media should not be your main source. I’ll explain why early next week. KSStorm.Info is meant to be a resource to help you prepare and make accurate decisions in advance of a warning.
One tool that is very valuable is chaser live streams. Ours is here, and we encourage you to watch it and others. The social science research shows we frequently need to see what we’re being warned for before we react. This is a safe and portable alternative to stepping outside to see for yourself.