When a legislative task force on Maine’s homeland security needs meets for the first time today, its biggest challenge will be to keep the risks the state faces in perspective. While it may be tempting to call for equipment to combat bioterrorism in every community or more money to boost border security to keep out terrorists, this is not where resources should be devoted. As recent hurricanes, floods and earthquakes have shown, better preparation for natural disasters is needed.

Concerned that Maine’s emergency preparedness is not as well coordinated as it should be and that more money, equipment and personnel may be needed to boost such efforts, lawmakers earlier this year approved the creation of the task force. It will meet for the first time today in Augusta. The first meeting is slated to consist of four panels that will focus on state and county planning, law enforcement and first responders, public health and emergency medical services and the federal role in such efforts.

The task force’s charge focuses heavily on ensuring security from terrorist attacks. While such work is important, more attention should be focused on events that are more likely to occur here such as natural disasters and public health emergencies. Terrorists are unlikely to target Maine because of its small and dispersed population. Terrorists prefer highly visible targets where they can do the most damage. No terrorists are known to have used the Maine-Canada border to enter the United States. Another ice storm, more widespread flooding or even a hurricane are more likely possibilities. As the federal government has warned, an avian flu pandemic is also looming.

Proper planning for a natural disaster or disease outbreak will provide a foundation for responding to a national security threat. A working, interoperable communication system is critical to a coordinated emergency response. It is no secret that Maine’s emergency communication system, at the local, county and statewide level, needs improvement. This is a good place for the task force to start.

Another charge to the group is to look for gaps between needs and resources for personnel, equipment and training. No doubt many gaps will be found. The key will be to identify those that are critical. This is especially important because it is likely that Maine will see a large decrease in the homeland security funds it gets from the federal government. A new formula, included in a Department of Homeland Security funding bill that is expected to be considered in the Senate this week, would significantly shrink the amount of money going to rural areas, while giving more to urban areas.

With less money to go around, the task force can help ensure that what Maine does get goes to the areas where it is most needed.