Jennifer First awarded NOAA funding for tornado sheltering research

Jennifer First, an associate professor in the University of Missouri School of Social Work, has received a $126,000 award from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to examine tornado sheltering challenges for residents of apartment and multifamily housing in the southeastern United States.

The research project will explore barriers apartment residents face when seeking safe shelter during severe weather and identify strategies to improve preparedness and protective action. As apartment living increases across many communities — particularly low-income residents seeking affordable housing — access to safe tornado shelter remains a concern.

While previous research has focused heavily on tornado safety for mobile home residents, comparatively little attention has been given to apartment dwellers, especially those living on upper floors without access to designated shelter spaces. First will lead a team investigating sheltering plans, access to safe spaces and the equity of shelter options across different apartment communities. The work will focus on the southeastern United States, a region that experiences some of the nation’s highest tornado fatality rates.

First’s latest project will examine challenges facing residents of apartments and other multifamily housing, including barriers to accessing safe shelter during severe weather. The team’s findings could inform future preparedness efforts and help communities better protect residents when tornadoes threaten.