Improving Tornado Warning Communication for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Audiences

Although specialized personal and residential Deaf warning technologies exist, receipt comprehension of tornado information from local television is often delayed or misunderstood because closed-captioning deficiencies. In order to suggest improvements for the communication warnings Hard Hearing (D/HoH) audiences, interviews a focus group were conducted within active counties Alabama. D/HoH individuals generally use more sources than hearing population better understand their risk. Protective action decision-making by our sample was characterized hesitation, uncertainty, indecision in population. The most common suggestion improving tornado-warning have an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter shown on screen with meteorologist during warning. A split-screen product ASL remote studio prototyped showing that this type live broadcast possible coverage. Several formats evaluated conclusion should be left side without obscuring any part weather broadcast. resulted full access all information, ability make immediate safety decisions, welcomed excitement focus-group participants. This modification, along education preparedness efforts National Weather Service, help remedy gaps delays underserved