Trauma and short-fuse weather warning perceptions

The purpose of this research was to assess the importance of psychological trauma in understanding reactions to short lead time weather warnings. The research consisted of two case studies, one in Denver, Colorado and the other in Austin, Texas. A total of 61 individuals with 9 or greater traumas were compared to 281 non-trauma exposed individuals. Results demonstrated significant differences on questions related to general beliefs about flash floods and warning perceptions as well as reported anticipated actions during a flash flood at home. Results suggest high trauma exposure may lead to more threat sensitivity and a higher probability of initiated action in a home-based flash flood.