When the Sirens Were Silent [Mass Market Paperback]

Mike Smith (Author), Dan Gordon (Editor), Jim Friesen (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 15, 2012

In Mike Smith's first book, "Warnings: The True Story of How Science Tamed the Weather," we learned the only thing separating American society from triple-digit fatalities from tornadoes, weather-related plane crashes, and hurricanes is the storm warning system that was carefully crafted over the last 50 years. That acclaimed book, as one reviewer put it, "made meteorologists the most unlikely heroes of recent literature." But, what if the warning system failed to provide a clear, timely notice of a major storm? Tragically, that scenario played out in Joplin, Missouri, on May 22, 2011. As a wedding, a high school graduation, and shopping trips were in progress, an invisible monster storm was developing west of the city. When it arrived, many were caught unaware. One hundred sixty-one perished and one thousand were injured. "When the Sirens Were Silent" is the gripping story of the Joplin tornado. 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 clever lift-out copies of the latest tornado safety rules for homes, schools, and offices.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"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

About the Author

Mike Smith has been passionate about weather and saving lives since he was five years old. A major tornado moved through his neighborhood and destroyed his kindergarten which set the course for the rest of his life. After being a television meteorologist in St. Louis, Oklahoma City, and Wichita, Mike founded WeatherData, Inc. in 1981. It quickly became the leading company in the field of business-to-business warnings of extreme weather. Mike sold the assets of WeatherData to AccuWeather Enterprise Solutions in 2006 and has stayed on as Senior Vice President and Chief Innovation Executive. In addition to his business acumen, Mike is a certified consulting meteorologist and a Fellow of the American Meteorological Society. In 1992, he received the Society's highest award in the field of applied meteorology for his work in creating innovative storm warning techniques. In 2000, WeatherData won the highest award for corporate meteorology for its outreach to government and academic meteorologists. AccuWeather received the same award for corporate meteorology in 2011. Mike is a frequent public speaker. In addition to his books, "When the Sirens Were Silent" and "Warnings: The True Story of How Science Tamed the Weather," Smith has written numerous scientific and technical articles about weather and applied weather science. He is also a published photographer and is the inventor on 19 U.S. and foreign patents. Mike is married, the father of three grown children, and resides in Wichita.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 65 pages
• Publisher: Mennonite Press, Mike Smith Enterprises, LLC; First edition (May 15, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0692017437
• ISBN-13: 978-0692017432
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,039,067 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars When the Sirens Were Silent August 29, 2012

By fredwxman

Format:Mass Market Paperback

Mike Smith does an admirable job capturing what happened in Joplin in a crisp efficient review of events and procedures. Overwarning the public and accepting high false alarm rates have plagued the weather forecasters and emergency managers for many years--especially with the advent of the Doppler radar and its ability to detect some but not all rotating thunderstorms. Joplin is the case that shows what can happen when the public becomes complacent about severe weather and the impact of the warning sirens that had been apparently overused in the past but strangely were late in going into action on this day. As a result of this storm and others in Tuscaloosa and elswhere in recent years officials are coming to grips with how to warn the public of impending danger without overwarning and its resulting complacency. New methods for accurately communicating what is happening to all corners of the affected region are being explored. Mike's book will be a must read for those who are dealing with this problem.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Yet another fantastic read by a great author. July 13, 2012

By flysooner9

Format:Mass Market Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Mike Smith does a great job of reviewing what happened that horrible day in Joplin. Also at the end he provides the public with numerous ways to help prepare yourself for severe weather. If you enjoyed his first book "Warnings" you will also enjoy this one.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring ! March 29, 2013

By Michael K. Disney

Format:Mass Market Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book makes you step back and really think about how the warning systems are supposed to work. Great book !