Wis. Officials: Snow Storm Communications Helped in Flood Response

Wisconsin emergency management officials say a lack of communication during the 2008, February snow storm backup taught them how to better respond to this spring’s floods.

The state Homeland Security Council issued a report recently criticizing the lack of a timely response to thousands of vehicles stranded on Interstate 39-90 during a storm Feb. 6. The report calls for a comprehensive review of emergency and highway officials’ communication.

Wisconsin Emergency Management spokeswoman Lori Getter says that agency’s review was completed before this past June’s floods. She says the department realized it had to keep other agencies better informed and keep its eye on the big picture.

Transportation Department officials didn’t immediately return a message for comment from the Associated Press.