"When the Sirens Were Silent" How the Warning System Failed a Community

"When the Sirens Were Silent" is the gripping story of the Joplin tornado and how flaws in the storm warning system contributed to the catastrophic death toll. It recounts that horrible day with a goal of insuring this does not happen again. The book gives you the tools you need to keep yourself and your family safe. Included are numerous color photos.

"The book, a quick read, is a stirring call to action to improve tornado warning communication in this country.

Smith provides a gripping countdown of the events leading up to the tornado, critiquing the series of decisions and actions from forecasters and emergency management and describing their consequences. His commentary is insightful and written plainly enough for the layperson to understand." -- Washington Post, Capital Weather Gang

"Whew, I just read it. Heart racing!!" --Denise Neil, Joplin tornado survivor

"Great work! Its informative and entertaining. I was anxious while reading it and I had to continue to remind myself that I already knew the outcome." --Jaime Green, Joplin tornado survivor

"This is a must-read book for anyone interested in weather, but, even more importantly, to anyone living in tornado regions!" -- Dr. Roger Pielke, Sr., "Climate Science" blog