Moody College expert examines challenges, opportunities surrounding disaster communication

As we continue to mourn the losses felt by so many following the recent Central Texas flash floods, Texans, and beyond, are coming together to help. Whether they're lending a hand on the ground to help clear debris or making a donation to support victims and their families, communities are still wondering what comes next. Keri K. Stephens, professor and co-director of the Technology & Information Policy Institute at the Moody College of Communication, is lending her expertise in disaster communication to discuss the challenges, as well as opportunities for solutions, of reaching those who are in harms way during these types of extreme weather events. 

Stephens penned an article that explores this concept in-detail for The Conversation entitled, "Why it can be hard to warn people about dangers like floods - communication researchers explain the role of human behavior". 

Here is an excerpt: 

"Flash floods like the one that swept down the Guadalupe River in Texas on July 4, 2025, can be highly unpredictable. While there are sophisticated flood prediction models and different types of warning systems in some places, effective flood protection requires extensive preparedness and awareness.

It also requires an understanding of how people receive, interpret and act on risk information and warnings. Technology can be part of the solution, but ultimately people are the critical element in any response.

As researchers who study emergency communications, we have found that simply providing people with technical information and data is often not enough to effectively communicate the danger and prompt them to act."

Everyone at Moody College is keeping those impacted by this terrible situation in our thoughts and hearts during this difficult time. 

Read more from Stephens on this topic in the news stories below. 

• Stephens was quoted in the National Public Radio story, "How flood sirens could have saved lives in Texas".
• She was interviewed during a CNN segment on the topic of the recent floods.
• Stephens was quoted in the Texas Public Radio story, "How can the next disaster in flash flood alley be prevented?".
• She was quoted in The Hill story, "Deadly Texas floods leave officials pointing fingers after warnings missed".
• Stephens expertise was also featured in the Marketplace piece, "Texas lawmakers reconsider rejected emergency response upgrades after deadly flash flood".
• She was interviewed for the KXAN news segment, "UT expert on challenges of creating siren systems for flooding".