"The warning process consists of people with information communicating with people at risk and others, such as emergency responders, in advance of or during a hazardous event, with the intent that those at risk will take appropriate action to reduce casualties and losses. The goal of a warning is to prevent hazards from becoming disasters. -- the success of a warning is measured by what actions people take". (Partnership for Public Warning, Protecting America's Communities, 2004, p. 3)