NWS Hazard Simplification Project: A Roadmap for Change

The National Weather Service (NWS) is continuing its work on the “Hazards Simplification” (Haz Simp) project, the goal of which is to assess the efficacy of NWS’ Watch, Warning and Advisory (WWA) system and to explore options for simplifying and clarifying NWS hazards messages. In this session, we will focus on reviewing the results of a number of recent stakeholder engagements supported by social and behavioral science expertise, describe the results of a survey to assess how embedded the WWA terms are in policy and statutes, and describe next steps for the project. 

These next steps include incorporation of all feedback collected to date towards development of prototype alternative(s) to the current 122-product WWA system that could enhance the clarity and actionability of the hazard information NWS
provides to its stakeholders and the public. Generalizable data collection strategies will be utilized to screen proposed prototypes for use across all demographics nationwide, and to test for applicability across all hazards NWS messages. The session will end with a roundtable question and answer session to engage attendees in discussion on the presentations provided.