BURBANK - At a Burbank hospital today, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced that he's setting aside $400 million in his proposed budget to support hospitals during an outbreak of bird flu or other emergencies.

The budget has yet to be approved by the Legislature.

The set-aside would allow the state to purchase mobile field hospitals, anti-viral drugs, ventilators, protective equipment and other items that would boost patient care capacity at hospitals during an emergency.

In addition, Schwarzenegger proposed that part of the funds go toward updating emergency response plans for hospitals statewide.

"California is more prepared today than ever before and we have taken many steps to ensure a swift and complete response to an emergency," Schwarzenegger said at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center. "But I'm not willing to gamble with the safety of Californians. You can never be too prepared, and with the potential of a pandemic flu outbreak, I felt it was necessary for the state to help out and do more."

Schwarzenegger's Democratic rival in the November election, state Treasurer Phil Angelides, did not immediately respond to the governor's announcement.