Severe Weather Siren Protocol in Eau Claire : Does it Produce Intended Responses?

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate UWEC students’ knowledge, perceptions, and response behaviors related to outdoor siren alerts in Eau Claire. The City of Eau Claire activates outdoor warning sirens whenever the National Weather Service issues a severe thunderstorm warning or a tornado warning for the city. While ¾ of the respondents know the sirens are activated for both thunderstorm and tornado warnings, only one out of five students reacts appropriately. The city’s use of the same warning sound for severe thunderstorm warnings and tornado warnings causes some to dismiss the potential risks of an approaching tornado. Relatedly, not appreciating the potential severity of thunderstorms causes some to dismiss the real risks associated with these storms.