A Survey of Emergency Management Practices During Severe Weather Events in Missouri

In recent years we have seen many devastating tornadoes hit cities of all sizes across the State of Missouri, including St. Louis (April 22, 2001) Rated EF 4, Joplin (May 22, 2011) Rated EF 5 and Sedalia (May 25, 2011) Rated EF-2. These events along with other catastrophic tornadoes in cities such as Tuscaloosa and Birmingham, Alabama have increased the conversation regarding public policy of the use of tornado sirens. Across the state of Missouri, there are some inconsistencies regarding when it is appropriate and necessary to warn the public of impending severe weather that may have the capability of producing tornadic activity. After the media, emergency managers, and thus tornado sirens, are the largest source of information and fastest way of warning the public in these time sensitive situations. Uncertain policies can make citizens confused as to the specific meaning of sirens. As well as sirens, many counties and cities are investing in and utilizing new types of communication to warn the public. With the advancement of technology, the future of warning the public will continue to change from only sirens to a variety of platforms such as social media. The data collected will help to gain a better understanding of all the policies and methods from counties and cities across the State of Missouri and determine whether any improvements can be made that will allow tornado sirens to be more effective at warning the public of a possible tornado as well as determine new ways of distributing information besides just sirens. This will help emergency managers to better inform citizens to seek a safe location for protection.