NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Emergency operation experts from across the country are weighing in on Nashville’s preparations and response to January’s ice storm as the mayor’s Winter Storm Response Commission is expected to release a report later this month.

The commission was appointed by Mayor Freddie O’Connell to figure out what went wrong and how to do better next time a storm hits. Former Deputy Commissioner of New York City Emergency Management Kelly McKinney says Nashville’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) didn’t do a bad job.

McKinney originally weighed in on the situation when he saw FOX 17 News’ Johnny Maffei’s coverage of the storm response commission not being able to get their hands on the city’s comprehensive emergency management plan, a “foundational document,” according to chair of the commission Phil Bredesen, who is the former governor and former mayor of Nashville.

READ | ‘No terrorists that I’m aware of’: Storm Response Commission looking for more access

“The plan is the bedrock,” McKinney says. “The plan is it’s the wire diagram. It talks about that team that gets activated and has that ownership stake. In a crisis, it’s really about accountability. Who is accountable for what? What has to get done by when? And who owns that problem? And so that’s what’s in the (plan), so its critical.”

New York City is no stranger to winter storms and emergencies. McKinney was one of the leaders at the helm in the 9/11 response, Hurricane Sandy and major winter storms dropping as much as 27 inches of snow. But ice is a different animal than snow.

“Ice is something that it adds 14 levels of complexity to a winter storm,” he says.

Mayor O’Connell, the commission and Metro Council members have all expressed consideration to assess emergency operations as a whole in Nashville. McKinney says Nashville’s OEM needs to be separate from the fire department.

McKinney: “That will allow them to operate with the latitude and with the authority that they need in this fast paced environment that Nashville is facing.”

Maffei: “Do you think they need to be standalone because of how big the city is right now or do you think most places should do it like that?”

McKinney: “Everyone.”

FOX 17 News will be following up on that part of the story.