The tornado that ravaged Moore, Okla., on May 20, 2013, was another reminder that Mother Nature has a temper. UAB experts have said fighting complacency and preparing for what is ahead are important.UAB Department of Health Care Organization & Policy Assistant Professor Lisa McCormick, Dr.P.H., said people – whether they live in areas of rare or frequent tornado activity – often disregard the dangers.
“When the probability of an event occurring is small, and there is a lesser chance you will be affected if that event occurs, people become complacent,” McCormick said. “False alarms have the same effect.”
Mass media coverage, like that following the Moore tornado, as well as the tornadoes that hit Alabama on April 27, 2011, and Joplin, Mo., on May 22, 2011, can help increase sensitivity.