As Wisconsin prepares for a major snowstorm, officials are learning the state is one of the best-prepared in the nation to deal with emergencies. The ranking comes from the Trust for America’s Health and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, which gave Wisconsin an eight out of ten for disaster readiness.
Wisconsin was among five states that tied for the top ranking, although the report does suggest some improvements. They include vaccinating more toddlers against whooping cough and seeking an emergency management accreditation from a national non-profit group.
Tod Pritchard with Wisconsin Emergency Management says they are always looking to improve, noting that the state is already seeking accreditation at this time. He says the report focuses heavily on health systems and public health issues, with are both areas where Wisconsin has made strides in recent years.
North Carolina, Maryland, Vermont, and Mississippi tied Wisconsin for the top score on the report.
Mike Kemmeter, WHBY