RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - State emergency officials say that 10 years after the Sept. 11 terror attacks, North Carolina is better equipped and prepared to respond to disasters whether they're natural or manmade.
A key element in the preparedness is the influx of federal money over the past decade. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has provided almost $400 million in grants for emergency preparedness projects for North Carolina local governments and state agencies since 2002.
A large chunk of federal money has helped the state build a statewide emergency radio system for police, fire and rescue departments. First responders have faced communications obstacles during hurricanes and the World Trade Center attack because agencies used incompatible radio systems.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
