Overview
Title
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Tornado Watch/Warning Post-Event Evaluation
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Commerce Department wants to hear what people think about how they tell us about tornadoes. They hope to make it safer by figuring out the best ways to send out these warnings.
Summary AI
The Department of Commerce, through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is seeking public comments on a proposed information collection related to tornado warnings and watches. This initiative aims to understand how people receive and respond to NOAA-issued tornado alerts to improve future warning systems. The feedback will be gathered through a web-based app and a standardized survey, focusing on the public's response to recent tornado events. This request is part of a pilot study to develop better methods for collecting post-event data and enhancing NOAA's tornado warning systems.
Abstract
The Department of Commerce, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed, and continuing information collections, which helps us assess the impact of our information collection requirements and minimize the public's reporting burden. The purpose of this notice is to allow for 60 days of public comment preceding submission of the collection to OMB.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document under review is a notice from the Department of Commerce, specifically through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), inviting public comments on a proposed information collection related to tornado warnings and watches. This initiative is part of a pilot study aimed at understanding how individuals receive and respond to NOAA-issued tornado alerts, with the goal of improving future warning systems.
General Summary
Each year, tornadoes pose significant threats to communities across the United States, yet detailed knowledge about how individuals receive and react to these warnings remains sparse. The notice outlines a plan to collect data from individuals who have recently experienced a tornado. This data collection will be facilitated through a new web-based app, akin to the United States Geological Survey's "Did You Feel It" for earthquakes, and a standardized survey. Feedback is intended to improve tornado warning systems by gaining insights into the public's immediate actions following alerts.
Significant Issues or Concerns
One major concern regarding the document is the lack of specifics about the cost of developing the web-based app at the National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL). Without this information, some may worry about potential wasteful spending of taxpayer dollars. Furthermore, the explanation of the data collection method, particularly around the app, might be too complex, potentially hindering public understanding and participation.
Another issue relates to privacy. The document indicates that comments received, including any personal information, might be made publicly available. This could dissuade individuals from participating in the feedback process due to privacy concerns.
Impact on the Public
Broadly, this initiative could have a significant impact on enhancing the effectiveness of tornado warnings. By understanding how people currently respond to warnings, NOAA can tailor its alert systems to better suit public needs, potentially leading to greater public safety during tornado events. However, if the privacy concerns regarding public comments are not adequately addressed, public engagement might be limited, impacting the data's comprehensiveness and utility.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
The proposal may positively impact researchers and public safety officials who rely on accurate data to craft more effective emergency responses. By improving how warnings are disseminated and acted upon, these groups can more effectively protect and serve the public during severe weather events. Conversely, individuals concerned about privacy might feel wary about contributing to this collection effort, potentially leading to a less diverse pool of respondents.
The proposed data collection has the potential to significantly enhance NOAA's understanding of tornado warning responses, but it must navigate transparency in costs, clarity of methods, and privacy concerns to maximize its effectiveness and public engagement.
Issues
• The document does not specify the exact cost of developing the web-based App at NSSL, which could raise concerns about potential wasteful spending.
• The method of data collection and the potential use of a web-based App is described in a complex manner that might be difficult for the general public to understand.
• There is no detailed breakdown of the estimated total annual burden hours or cost to the public, making it difficult to assess the validity of these estimates.
• The document states that comments, including personal information, may be publicly available, which could lead to privacy concerns among respondents.