AUGUSTA -- The state has received more than $85 million in homeland security funds since 2003 -- money that has paid for mobile command vehicles, generators, radios and training for first responders all over Maine.

This source of funding -- unlike money spent by the federal government to protect the country from more terrorist attacks -- is earmarked for making sure states can respond appropriately to a crisis, emergency management officials said.

In Kennebec County alone, the money has paid for a mobile command vehicle, better radios for communication, and shelter equipment such as cots, blankets, sandbags, and barricades, said Sean Goodwin, deputy director of the Kennebec County Emergency Management Agency.

He said one of the big changes is in communications.

New radios allow police, fire and medical personnel to communicate with each other throughout the state, regardless of where an emergency occurs.

"Our communications are leaps and bounds (better than) what they were 10 years ago," he said. "We've done very well."

In June, the state learned it would get $6.5 million for this year, 80 percent of which will go to local counties, cities and towns, Maine Emergency Management Agency spokeswoman Lynette Miller said.

Some of the money will be used to help county emergency agencies with planning; some will go out through a competitive grant process, she said.

Through the years, the state has emphasized the importance of regional planning and central command that can be used for any incident, she said.

"We have continually improved our ability to work together and work regionally," she said.

She said a major apartment fire in Orono recently that required a coordinated response benefited from the training funded by homeland security money, Miller said rescuers reported.

"We are much better prepared for any disaster than we were six or seven years ago," said Ginnie Ricker, deputy director of the state emergency management agency. "It's all because of the funding."

Included in the most recent disbursement is $146,931 for the Citizen Corps, which are volunteer community response teams based in various cities and towns across the state.

Last year, competitive grants awarded to Kennebec County paid for communications equipment in Winthrop and Hallowell and for shelter supplies in West Gardiner, according to Maine Emergency Management Agency Web site.

Somerset and Franklin counties also received funds for backup generators, communications equipment and shelter supplies.

While the state and municipalities have geared up to respond to all type of emergencies, Ricker said individuals also need to be prepared to stay safe for at least the first 72 hours of any disaster.

"It's all about preparing the individual so they learn how to make a kit, make a plan and be informed," she said.

Susan Cover -- 620-7015

scover@centralmaine.com