Improving Accessibility and Comprehension of Tornado Warnings for the Deaf and Deaf-Blind Community.

This research investigated the communication of tornado warning information among individuals who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Deaf-Blind. Face to face interviews explored differences in tornado knowledge, risk perception, sheltering choices, and the sequencing of protective action decision making for members of these communities. The information gathered during the interviews was used to simulate live hypothetical television weather forecasts for tornado warnings using suggested improvements in wording and in signage with an ASL interpreter on screen. A thematic coding approach was used to examine categories and themes that emerged from the interviews to determine relevant factors for individuals during tornadic weather. Statistical tests determined if protective action decision making became more accurate and efficient comparing responses to different hypothetical scenarios. Preliminary results revealed that our suggested modification using an ASL interpreter on screen simultaneously with a local broadcast meteorologist resulted in quicker decision making, but not safer decision making. Preliminary conclusions reinforce our goal of striving to understand the sociological, linguistic, and cultural factors that influence how individuals from specific vulnerable groups receive, process, and respond to tornado information. Knowledge from this research will help meteorologists and emergency managers better communicate severe weather information to encourage a more effective response specific to the Deaf/HoH and Deaf-Blind populations, but more generally to the wider public.