This survey is also available online at
http://web.uccs.edu/cutrauma/survey.htm.
The Warning Project
Thank you for your participation in this study. Your contribution is very valuable. This
information will help local weather forecasters and emergency managers make better
decisions about warning you in the event of a flash flood or tornado. This survey will take
approximately twenty minutes to complete. Thank you.
Most questions require only a checkmark to indicate your answer. If you check “other” on
some answers, please help us to better understand your answer by providing additional
information. Your answers will be kept confidential and your name will not be linked to your
responses. If you have any additional questions regarding confidentiality, please contact
us at the numbers below.
Thank you.
Eve Gruntfest, Ph. D.
(303) 497-8116
ecg@uccs.edu
Department of Geography and Environmental Studies
Charles C. Benight, Ph. D.
(719) 262-4180
benight@uccs.edu
Department of Psychology
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
CU-Trauma Studies and Resource Center
PO Box 7150, Colorado Springs, CO 80933-7150
Won’t you please take a few
minutes to fill this out now
and send it back today?
Please go to the next page
Thank you for your contribution to this research.
Page 1
Section A: Your thoughts about flash floods.
The following statements relate to your knowledge and concerns about flash flood situations in the
Austin area. Please think about each statement and circle your answer on the scale provided.
Example: On a sunny day the sky looks blue.
(1)
Strongly agree
(2)
Agree
(3)
Disagree
(4)
Strongly disagree
1. A flash flood warning indicates a more serious threat than a flash flood watch.
(1)
True
(2)
False
(3)
Don’t Know
2. A flash flood warning indicates a more likely threat than a flash flood watch.
(1)
True
(2)
False
(3)
Don’t Know
3. I know how to find out whether my house is in the floodplain.
(1)
True
(2)
False
(3)
Don’t Know
4. I live in an area where a flash flood might occur.
(1)
True
(2)
False
(3)
Don’t Know
5. Most people who die in flash floods die in their vehicles.
(1)
True
(2)
False
(3)
Don’t Know
6. A flash flood in Austin poses a life threatening risk to me.
(1)
True
(2)
False
(3)
Don’t Know
7. I take flash flood warnings seriously.
(1)
Strongly agree
(2)
Agree
(3)
Disagree
(4)
Strongly disagree
8. Flash flood waters may cause dams (i.e. Mansfield Dam and Tom Miller Dam) and
other water control structures to fail.
(1)
Strongly agree
(2)
Agree
(3)
Disagree
(4)
Strongly disagree
9. A vehicle can be carried away by moving water 18 inches deep.
(1)
Strongly agree
(2)
Agree
(3)
Disagree
(4)
Strongly disagree
Please go to the next page
Thank you for your contribution to this research.
Page 2
10. I would drive through an intersection with 6 inches of moving water flowing through it.
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
Strongly agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly disagree
11. I consider myself a good judge of whether flood waters are dangerous.
(1)
Strongly agree
(2)
Agree
(3)
Disagree
(4)
Strongly disagree
12. Realizing it’s difficult to predict flash floods, I would prefer more warnings even if it
means there are more false alarms or close calls.
(1)
Strongly agree
(2)
Agree
(3)
Disagree
(4)
Strongly disagree
13. One or two flash flooding false alarms or close calls would reduce my confidence in future
warnings.
(1)
Strongly agree
(2)
Agree
(3)
Disagree
(4)
Strongly disagree
14. I believe that officials are too sensitive to the possibility of flash flooding.
(1)
Strongly agree
(2)
Agree
(3)
Disagree
(4)
Strongly disagree
15. I trust government warnings/evacuations in relation to flash floods.
(1)
Strongly agree
(2)
Agree
(3)
Disagree
(4)
Strongly disagree
16. I would go around an automatic road barrier (similar to railroad gates) that is
blocking a low-lying intersection because of flash flooding.
(1)
Strongly agree
(2)
Agree
(3)
Disagree
(4)
Strongly disagree
17. We would like to know the best way(s) for officials to warn you about flash floods at
different times of day. (circle all that apply in each column for the time given).
(a)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
2:30 a.m.
Sirens
Call me by phone
Bottom of TV screen
Come to my door
E-mail me
Call my cell phone
Local radio
NOAA weather radio*
(b)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
11:00 a.m.
Sirens
Call me by phone
Bottom of TV screen
Come to my door
E-mail me
Call my cell phone
Local radio
NOAA weather radio*
(c)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
5:00 p.m.
Sirens
Call me by phone
Bottom of TV screen
Come to my door
E-mail me
Call my cell phone
Local radio
NOAA weather radio*
* NOAA weather radio is an inexpensive radio that broadcasts National Weather Service forecasts, statements,
watches, warnings, and other hazard information 24 hours a day.
Please go to the next page
Thank you for your contribution to this research.
Page 3
Section B: Imagine yourself in a flash flood situation.
Please imagine that you are home: Flash Flood at Home Scenario
It is an evening in late July and I am downstairs at home watching television. It’s
been raining all afternoon. I look out the window and notice that the road in front
of my home looks like a small stream with water covering over the curbs. Then I
see a flash flood warning across the bottom of the television screen:
“A flash flood warning means that flooding is imminent or occurring. If you are in the
warning area move to higher ground immediately. Residents living along streams and
creeks should take immediate precautions to protect life and property.”
The water in the street starts moving faster and begins to cover my yard.
Please respond to the following questions based on how strongly you agree or disagree with each
statement. Circle your answer on the scale provided.
18. I feel that I am completely capable to keep myself safe in this situation.
(1)
Strongly agree
(2)
Agree
(3)
Disagree
(4)
Strongly disagree
19. I would first try to confirm that the flood hazard was serious.
(1)
Strongly agree
(2)
Agree
(3)
Disagree
(4)
Strongly disagree
20. I would either immediately seek higher ground or go to an upper floor in my home.
(1)
Strongly agree
(2)
Agree
(3)
Disagree
(4)
Strongly disagree
(3)
Disagree
(4)
Strongly disagree
21. I would call 911 for help.
(1)
Strongly agree
(2)
Agree
22. I would get in my vehicle and attempt to drive away.
(1)
Strongly agree
(2)
Agree
(3)
Disagree
(4)
Strongly disagree
(2)
Agree
(3)
Disagree
(4)
Strongly disagree
23. I would take no action.
(1)
Strongly agree
Please go to the next page
Thank you for your contribution to this research.
Page 4
Now please imagine that you are driving: Flash Flood While Driving Scenario
* Please note: If you do not drive, skip to Question 29 on page # 6
I am driving in my mid-size car east on West 10th Street and I am coming up
to the intersection of Lamar Blvd. on an early November afternoon. Severe
thunderstorms brought golf ball sized hail a couple of hours ago and it has
been raining intensely since. Cars begin to come to a halt as I approach the
intersection because at least eighteen inches of water is on the road directly in
front of us. I hear over the radio that a flash flood warning has been issued for
central Travis County:
“A flash flood warning means that flooding is imminent or occurring. If you are in
the warning area move to higher ground immediately. Do not attempt to cross
swiftly flowing waters or waters of unknown depth by foot or by automobile. If your
vehicle stalls abandon it immediately and seek higher ground.”
The water starts to rise rapidly and starts spilling onto the side of the road next
to me. I notice cars stopping in front of me and some are sliding on the wet
pavement.
24. I feel that I am completely capable to keep myself safe in this situation.
(1)
Strongly agree
(2)
Agree
(3)
Disagree
(4)
Strongly disagree
25. If traffic started moving forward, I would attempt to cross the water.
(1)
Strongly agree
(2)
Agree
(3)
Disagree
(4)
Strongly disagree
26. Regardless of the vehicle I’m driving, if the water were covering most of the tires on the
truck in front of me, I would attempt to drive through the water.
(1)
Strongly agree
(2)
Agree
(3)
Disagree
(4)
Strongly disagree
27. If I were driving an SUV, truck, or 4-wheel drive instead of a car, I would attempt to drive
through the water.
(1)
Strongly agree
(2)
Agree
(3)
Disagree
(4)
Strongly disagree
28. I would attempt to drive through the water to get home to loved ones and/or pets.
(1)
Strongly agree
(2)
Agree
(3)
Disagree
(4)
Strongly disagree
Please go to the next page
Thank you for your contribution to this research.
Page 5
Section C: Your experiences with flash floods.
The following are questions about your personal experiences with flash floods.
29. After the storm in Austin on October 17, 1998, I knew about assistance that was made
available after the flood event.
Yes
No
I lived in Austin at the time but do not remember
I did not live in Austin at the time
30. After the storm in Austin on October 17, 1998, I felt that the flyers regarding debris
pickup and notices regarding financial assistance were sent out in a timely manner.
Yes
No
I lived in Austin at the time, but do not remember
I did not live in Austin at the time
Please indicate how many flash floods you have experienced and then respond to the following
questions thinking about your most recent flash flood experience.
31. I have experienced a flash flood in my lifetime.
Yes (Please continue on to the next question)
No (Please skip to Section D, question # 43 on page 8)
32. The number of flash floods I have experienced in my lifetime is
1
2
3
4
5-10
11 or more
33. Do you feel you were adequately warned about this most recent flash flood?
Yes
No
34. When you first heard about this most recent flash flood, did you check with other sources
of information to see how serious the threat was?
Yes
No
Please go to the next page
Thank you for your contribution to this research.
Page 6
35. Thinking about your most recent flash flood experience, tell us where you first found out
about the flash flood. (Please choose only one response)
National Weather Service warning
Environmental cues (extreme amounts of rainfall, water on roadway, etc.)
Local television channel
The Weather Channel
Local radio station
NOAA weather radio
Internet
Neighbors, friends, or family contacted me
An official called me on the phone
Other (please describe) _____________________________________
36. Place an X in the boxes for all the sources you checked with to make sure this most recent
flash flood threat was serious.
National Weather Service warning
Environmental cues (extreme amounts of rainfall, water on roadway, etc.)
Local television channel
The Weather Channel
Local radio station
NOAA weather radio
Internet
Neighbors, friends, or family
An official called me on the phone
I did not check any additional sources
Other (please describe) _____________________________________
37. Again, thinking about this most recent flash flood experience, what did you do after you
received the flash flood warning information? (Please choose only one response)
I left immediately and went to a location outside the warning area
I stayed where I was since I was in a safe location
I stayed where I was because I did not know what to do
I kept driving if I was in my car
I moved to higher ground
I evaluated the situation and took no immediate action
Other (please describe) ________________________________________
38. I suffered a significant financial loss as a result of this most recent flash flood such as
home, car, or job.
(1)
Strongly agree
(2)
Agree
(3)
Disagree
(4)
Strongly disagree
Please go to the next page
Thank you for your contribution to this research.
Page 7
39. I suffered a significant emotional loss as a result of this most recent flash flood (time with
family or personal distress).
(1)
Strongly agree
(2)
Agree
(3)
Disagree
(4)
Strongly disagree
40. I am currently capable of dealing with my emotions including anger, sadness, depression,
or anxiety related to this most recent flash flood.
(1)
Strongly agree
(2)
Agree
(3)
Disagree
(4)
Strongly disagree
41. In the past, I have experienced weather related trauma where I thought my life was in
danger.
Yes
No
42. Please indicate the number of times you have experienced each type of weather related
trauma. If you are unsure as to the exact number please provide your best estimate.
______ Flood / Flash Flood
______ Tornado
______ Hurricane
______ Thunderstorm / Lightning
______ Blizzard
______ Other (please describe) _______________________________________
Section D: Your thoughts about tornados.
43. A tornado warning indicates a more serious threat than a tornado watch.
(1)
True
(2)
False
(3)
Don’t know
44. A tornado warning indicates a more likely threat than a tornado watch.
(1)
True
(2)
False
(3)
Don’t Know
45. My home has a basement, tornado shelter or interior room where I can seek shelter.
(1)
Yes
(2)
No
46. I have a plan for keeping myself and my family safe in a tornado.
(1)
Yes
(2)
No
Please go to the next page
Thank you for your contribution to this research.
Page 8
47. Realizing it’s difficult to predict the exact location of tornados, I would prefer more
warnings even if it means there are more false alarms or close calls.
(1)
Strongly agree
(2)
Agree
(3)
Disagree
(4)
Strongly disagree
48. In the Austin area, I believe I will experience a tornado during my lifetime.
(1)
Strongly agree
(2)
Agree
(3)
Disagree
(4)
Strongly disagree
49. A tornado in Austin would pose a life threatening risk to me.
(1)
Strongly agree
(2)
Agree
(3)
Disagree
(4)
Strongly disagree
50. One or two tornado false alarms or close calls would reduce my confidence in future
warnings.
(1)
Strongly agree
(2)
Agree
(3)
Disagree
(4)
Strongly disagree
51. I believe that officials are too sensitive to the possibility of tornados.
(1)
Strongly agree
(2)
Agree
(3)
Disagree
(4)
Strongly disagree
52. We would like to know the best way(s) for officials to warn you about tornados for
different times of day. (circle all that apply in each column for the time given).
(a)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
2:30 a.m.
Sirens
Call me by phone
Bottom of TV screen
Come to my door
E-mail me
Call my cell phone
Local radio
NOAA weather radio*
(b)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
11:00 a.m.
Sirens
Call me by phone
Bottom of TV screen
Come to my door
E-mail me
Call my cell phone
Local radio
NOAA weather radio*
(c)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
5:00 p.m.
Sirens
Call me by phone
Bottom of TV screen
Come to my door
E-mail me
Call my cell phone
Local radio
NOAA weather radio*
* NOAA weather radio is an inexpensive radio that broadcasts National Weather Service forecasts, statements,
watches, warnings, and other hazard information 24 hours a day.
Please go to the next page
Thank you for your contribution to this research.
Page 9
Section E: Imagine yourself in a tornado situation.
Please imagine that you are home: Tornado at Home Scenario
I am upstairs at home watching my favorite television show on a Saturday evening in
October. The thunder and rain in the background is getting louder and louder. Hail is now
crashing against my windows. Suddenly, I see a tornado warning at the bottom of the
television screen stating that a tornado has been sited in the Austin area and is moving in the
direction of my house.
The warning states:
“The safest place to be during a tornado is in a basement. Get under a workbench or other
piece of sturdy furniture. If no basement is available…seek shelter on the lowest floor of the
building in an interior hallway or room such as a closet. Use blankets or pillows to cover
your body and always stay away from windows.”
53. I feel that I am completely capable to keep myself and my family safe in this situation.
(1)
Strongly Agree
(2)
Agree
(3)
Disagree
(4)
Strongly Disagree
54. I feel knowledgeable enough to know what I should do to keep my family and myself safe
in the event of a tornado situation such as this.
(1)
Strongly Agree
(2)
Agree
(3)
Disagree
(4)
Strongly Disagree
(2)
Agree
(3)
Disagree
(4)
Strongly Disagree
55. I would not take any action.
(1)
Strongly Agree
56. I would attempt to leave my house to get out of the path of the tornado.
(1)
Strongly Agree
(2)
Agree
(3)
Disagree
(4)
Strongly Disagree
57. Please indicate which of the factors below would cause you to leave your home:
(check all that apply)
Children
Pets
Prior appointments
None
Other (please describe) __________________________________________
Please go to the next page
Thank you for your contribution to this research.
Page 10
Now please imagine that you are driving: Tornado While Driving Scenario
* Please note: If you do not drive, skip to Question 64 on page #12
I am driving east on Martin Luther King Blvd. near Airport Blvd. at 3 P.M. on an August
afternoon to meet some friends. It’s been pouring for the last 20 minutes, and I see lightning
everywhere. I look to my right and see what looks like a funnel cloud begin to drop from the
sky not too far to the south. Traffic begins to slow down as the hail becomes more intense. I
hear over the radio that a tornado warning has been issued for central Travis County:
“The safest place to be during a tornado is in a basement. Get under a workbench or other
piece of sturdy furniture. If no basement is available…seek shelter on the lowest floor of the
building in an interior hallway or room such as a closet. If in mobile homes or
vehicles…evacuate them and get inside a substantial shelter.”
58. I feel confident that I am capable to keep myself and, if applicable, my family safe in this
situation.
(1)
Strongly Agree
(2)
Agree
(3)
Disagree
(4)
Strongly Disagree
(2)
Agree
(3)
Disagree
(4)
Strongly Disagree
(2)
Agree
(3)
Disagree
(4)
Strongly Disagree
59. I would stop my car and remain in my car.
(1)
Strongly Agree
60. I would leave my car to seek shelter.
(1)
Strongly Agree
61. I would attempt to drive through the storm to get home to loved ones and/or pets.
(1)
Strongly agree
(2)
Agree
(3)
Disagree
(4)
Strongly disagree
62. I would stay in my car and try to drive away from the tornado.
(1)
Strongly agree
(2)
Agree
(3)
Disagree
(4)
Strongly disagree
63. I would stop my car under a highway overpass and climb up in the rafters.
(1)
Strongly agree
(2)
Agree
(3)
Disagree
(4)
Strongly disagree
Please go to the next page
Thank you for your contribution to this research.
Page 11
Section F: Your weather information sources.
The following questions ask where you get your weather information. For some questions you will
be asked to place an X in only one box and for others, you will be asked to place an X in more
than one box.
64. Please put an X in the box or boxes for all the places where you get your weather
information.
Environmental cues (look outside)
The Weather Channel
Internet
Local radio stations
Local television stations
NOAA weather radio
Cell phone
Weather bug (an Internet-based service generally provided for free by local television
stations)
Other (please describe) __________________________________________
65. Please put an X in one box that best describes the information source you consider the
most important. (Please choose only one response)
Environmental cues (look outside)
The Weather Channel
Internet
Local radio stations
Local television stations
NOAA weather radio
Cell phone
Weather bug
Other (please describe) __________________________________________
66. There are services available that deliver weather information directly to your cell phone.
Would you (do you) subscribe to a service?
Yes
No
I do not have a cell phone
67. If you do not already subscribe to this service and it were made available to you free of
charge, would you subscribe?
Yes
No
I already subscribe
68. I remember receiving public information materials regarding flash floods in the mail.
Yes
No
Please go to the next page
Thank you for your contribution to this research.
Page 12
Section G: Your experiences with trauma
We are interested in knowing how traumatic experiences influence peoples’ lives and how
they cope with weather warnings.
A traumatic event is defined as an event that threatened your life or someone close to you where
you felt intense fear, horrified or helpless. Examples include natural disaster, terrorist attack,
major accident such as a car accident, physical attack, sexual assault, or mugging.
Please remember that your answers will be kept strictly confidential.
69. Please put an X in the box below that represents how many traumatic experiences you’ve
had in your life.
0 times (If 0 times, skip to Section H, question # 79 on page 15)
1-4 times
5-8 times
9-12 times
more than 12 times
Below is a list of problems that people sometimes have after experiencing a traumatic event. Read
each one carefully. Please put an X in the box below each question that best describes how often
that problem has bothered you IN THE PAST MONTH. Rate each problem with respect to the
event or experience that bothers you the most.
70. I had upsetting thoughts or images about the traumatic event that came in my head when I
didn’t want them to.
Not at all or only one time
Once a week or less/once in a while
2 to 4 times a week/half the time
5 or more times a week/almost always
71. I had bad dreams or nightmares about the traumatic event.
Not at all or only one time
Once a week or less/once in a while
2 to 4 times a week/half the time
5 or more times a week/almost always
72. I tried not to think about, talk about, or have feelings about the traumatic event.
Not at all or only one time
Once a week or less/once in a while
2 to 4 times a week/half the time
5 or more times a week/almost always
Please go to the next page
Thank you for your contribution to this research.
Page 13
73. I felt emotionally upset when I was reminded of the traumatic event (for example, feeling
scared, angry, sad, or guilty, etc.).
Not at all or only one time
Once a week or less/once in a while
2 to 4 times a week/half the time
5 or more times a week/almost always
74. I tried to avoid activities, people, or places that remind me of the traumatic event.
Not at all or only one time
Once a week or less/once in a while
2 to 4 times a week/half the time
5 or more times a week/almost always
Below is a list of challenges people sometimes have after traumatic/stressful life events. Please
read each item and then indicate how capable you are currently to deal with the traumatic
experience you were thinking about when answering the questions above. There are no right
answers. Circle your answer on the scale provided.
75. I am currently capable of dealing with my emotions (anger, sadness, depression, anxiety)
related to the traumatic event.
(0)
Not at all
(1)
A little bit
(2)
Moderately
(3)
Quite a bit
(4)
Extremely
76. I am currently capable of managing unwanted thoughts about the traumatic event.
(0)
Not at all
(1)
A little bit
(2)
Moderately
(3)
Quite a bit
(4)
Extremely
77. I am currently capable of coping with distressing dreams or negative images about the
traumatic event.
(0)
Not at all
(1)
A little bit
(2)
Moderately
(3)
Quite a bit
(4)
Extremely
78. If you feel comfortable doing so, please indicate what traumatic event you were thinking about
when answering Questions 70-77 (remember, your answers are confidential and will not be linked
with your name).
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Please go to the next page
Thank you for your contribution to this research.
Page 14
Section H: About you and your family
79. What is your age group?
18-25 years
26-35 years
36-45 years
46-55 years
56-65 years
66-75 years
76-85 years
86+ years
80. Ethnic (Cultural) Group:
Hispanic or Latino
African American
American Indian or Alaskan Native
Asian
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific
Islander
White
Other or Multi-ethnic
(please describe) ___________________
_________________________________
81. Gender:
Male
Female
82. Highest level of education completed:
Junior high school
Some high school
High school graduate / GED
Some college
College graduate
Graduate school or further
83. Total household income expected this year:
Under $25,000
$25,000 to $49,000
$50,000 to $99,000
$100,000 to $124,000
$125,000 to $149,000
$150,000 and greater
84. This is the number of people who live in my home:
1
2
3
4
5
6 or more
85. I live in a:
House
Apartment
Mobile Home
Condo
Townhouse
Duplex
Rowhouse
Other _________________________
86. I am a homeowner:
Yes
No
Please go to the next page
Thank you for your contribution to this research.
Page 15
87. I have lived within 5 miles of my current home for:
Under 6 months
6-11 months
1-3 years
4-6 years
7+ years
88. There is someone in my home who has a physical or mental disability or difficulties that
may limit their capabilities: (Please choose all that apply)
Hearing
Seeing
Moving/Walking
Small Children/Elderly Adult
Speaking
Mental heath issue
None
Other _________________________
89. The language spoken most often in my home is:
English
Spanish
Both (English and Spanish)
Other _________________________
90. I usually get around the city by:
Car
Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)
Truck
Motorcycle/Scooter
Bus
Bicycle
Walking
Other _________________________
91. If you have any thoughts or comments that you want to share with us, please use the space
below.
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Please contact us if you are interested in receiving additional information on Internet links to
learn more about real-time weather information, and natural hazards or if you would like to
receive a copy of our final report:
Eve Gruntfest, Ph. D.
(303) 497-8116
ecg@uccs.edu
Charles C. Benight, Ph. D.
(719) 262-4180
benight@uccs.edu
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
CU-Trauma Studies and Resource Center
PO Box 7150, Colorado Springs, CO 80933-7150
Should you feel you are in crisis or would like to speak to someone regarding any issues these
experiences may have caused, local area resources include:
The Hotline to Help at (512) 472-4357
The Austin-Travis County MHMR – Psychiatric emergency services at (512) 454-3521
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