College Students’ Risk Perceptions and Behaviors During Tornadic and Severe Weather Events

This quantitative study examines college students risk perceptions and protective action behaviors during the March 31l, 2023 tornadic events in Arkansas. On March 31, 2023, two EF3 tornadoes occurred in Little Rock and Wynne, Arkansas. Both regions are home to higher education institutions. This study surveyed college students in the two regions affected by the tornadic events. The NOAA Tornado Post-Event Survey was utilized for the first part of the questionnaire and other measurements were utilized for the second portion of the questionnaire that examined risk perception, risk assessment, and preparedness actions along with prior tornado experience.