Introduction
In the article, “Early Warning Systems and Disaster Preparedness and Response in Local Government,” Collins and Kapucu (2008) offer comprehensive research on how the local government can design better policies in disaster preparedness in case of a tornado incidence. Notably, it provides techniques that can be used to inform the public of looming disasters such as a tornado, floods, terrorism, and other human-made problems. As an emergency measure to catastrophes, the use of cost-effective National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radios to inform the public of impending danger can save lives.
Summary
According to Collins and Kapucu (2008), it is necessary to have a fast and cost-effective way to keep citizens alert of any impending disasters. It means that local government should be cognizant of the techniques to gauge natural catastrophes and establish emergency measures to curb the problems. On the whole, the article proponent is that disaster preparedness management should have an early warning system fused in policy making to safeguard the public. On the course, authors advocate for the use of NOAA weather radios. Further, to appeal to the need for alert,s Collins and Kapucu (2008) used statistical records of past disasters. For example, in 2007, tornado affected 2,324 building, claimed 21 lives, and goods worth 148 million destroyed in Florida. In the final analysis of the article, the design methodology was exhaustive as it involves a review of past literature such as content scrutiny of reports emanating from the Orlando Sentinel newspaper.
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Findings
The first point worth noting is that early warning offers a particular way of curbing tornado disasters. NOAA radios are the most cost-effective because of the ability to preserve batteries overnight. Therefore, Collins and Kapucu (2008) show that the citizens can often put the device on before going to sleep to be alert in case of an impending disaster. In response, people can always find safe areas to hide to avoid injuries. As opposed to regular communication instruments such as FM radios and televisions, NOAA weather radios use a siren and work when people are retiring to bed-a time when TVs are off.
Secondly, educating the members of the public on time and use of the instrument is crucial. Most people are likely to turn off their radios and televisions after 10 pm. Therefore, the time of the event is a significant aspect when designing and implementing protection policy. Besides, the teaching may focus on keeping one safe and how to protect oneself when a tornado strikes. For example, signs of atmospheric disturbances are early warning signs that tornado may occur. Therefore, teaching people about such principles are significant.
Thirdly, the article delved much into the effects of early warning, which seemingly authenticates the findings. Specifically, Florida has fewer shelters to take refuge in incase of a disaster. However, people can hide in safe places when warned, thus saving lives. Notably, the ability to seek safer rooms and other hiding areas can happen to advised persons. To make it work, there is a need to equip each home with NOAA equipment for disaster preparedness.
Conclusion
The use of NOAA weather radios offer a cost-effective disaster preparedness alarm system. Most people are prone to switching off TVs off after 10 pm, which means safety alerts at this time is crucial. Educating people on the time and use of the gadget is essential. Also, the effects of early warning imply that deaths can be eliminated or reduced if people make use of NOAA weather radios. Lastly, the article is only limited to research in Florida. Further studies should entail the entire country.
References
Collins, M. L., & Kapucu, N. (2008). Early Warning Systems and Disaster Preparedness and Response in Local Government. Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal , 17 (5), 587-600.
