? State and local leaders from across southwestern Connecticut met in Cromwell Thursday to talk about storm preparedness and the need to upgrade communication systems.

State emergency officials say a category five storm, like Katrina, would wipe out phone lines, two-way radios and 911 call centers. Authorities stress that local municipalities cannot wait on the government to make necessary upgrades to towers and systems when lives would be at risk.

Meanwhile, a database is being set up to identify residents who might need help evacuating during a disaster. Hurricane season officially started June 1.