How Bad Could A Storm Be? Look To Waffle House For Answers

The video discusses the Waffle House Index, an informal measure of storm impact based on the operational status of Waffle House restaurants. If a Waffle House is fully operational, recovery is manageable. A limited menu suggests power issues, while closures indicate severe conditions. The index, coined by former FEMA administrator Craig Fugate, helps assess community recovery post-storm. It gained prominence after the 2011 Joplin tornado, where open Waffle Houses indicated economic stability. Waffle House shares this data with FEMA to aid emergency response.

What is the Waffle House Index primarily used for?

• To evaluate customer satisfaction

• To measure the popularity of Waffle House

• To assess the severity of storms

• To determine the quality of food at Waffle House

What does it indicate if a Waffle House is operating with a full menu during a storm?

• The storm is extremely severe

• The area is experiencing a manageable recovery

• The restaurant is closed

• The storm has caused significant damage

What might a limited menu at a Waffle House suggest during a storm?

• The restaurant is closed for renovations

• The storm has passed without impact

• There is a power outage or supply issue

• The restaurant is fully operational

Why is it significant if a Waffle House closes during a storm?

• It indicates a minor inconvenience

• It suggests severe conditions and potential road difficulties

• It means the restaurant is undergoing maintenance

• It shows the storm has ended

How did the Waffle House Index prove useful during the Joplin tornado in 2011?

• It helped determine the best time to visit Waffle House

• It indicated the popularity of Waffle House in Joplin

• It was used to promote Waffle House's menu

• It provided insights into the local economy's stability