Over the past few days, we’ve all been watching the news out of Texas — whole towns underwater, families rescued by boat, roads ripped apart by flooding. The storms just keep coming, and for so many people, there’s nowhere left to go.

It’s heartbreaking. And it’s a warning.

We like to think we’re a long way from that kind of disaster here in Maine. But if we’re being honest, we’ve already seen the signs. Washed out roads in Harpswell, flooded basements in Brunswick, rising tides creeping closer to homes every year. Our storms are getting stronger and less predictable, and our infrastructure isn’t built for what’s coming.

That’s why earlier this year, we passed the 132nd Legislature’s first bill of the session: LD 1, “An Act to Increase Storm Preparedness for Maine’s Communities, Homes & Infrastructure,” a new law that helps Maine prepare for the weather that used to be once-in-a-generation but now shows up every season.

It’s not flashy, but it’s practical — just like Mainers. It sets up a grant program to help people reinforce their homes against wind and water damage. It puts money toward better flood planning and emergency communications, and it gives towns more of the tools they need to protect residents before, during and after a storm. It represents Maine’s commitment to strengthening the tools and resources that help communities prepare and respond to disasters. This is especially important because, at the federal level, funding for emergency management programs has been declining. As storms grow more frequent and severe, Maine can’t afford to rely on shrinking federal support. That means our state must focus on investing in things like better emergency communications and helping families protect their homes. LD 1 is a start, but to truly keep Mainers safe, we need ongoing support and smarter partnerships at every level of government.

I’m proud that this important legislation passed and that it had support from both sides of the aisle. But watching what’s happening in other parts of the country, I keep thinking about how important it is to keep talking about this. Climate resilience isn’t a buzzword — it’s about keeping your power on, keeping your roof intact and knowing your family is safe.

In my coastal district, I see the impact of climate change every day. I also see how hard Mainers work to take care of their neighbors. We patch each other’s roofs and docks. We plow each other’s driveways. We check in when the power goes out. LD  1 is really just that spirit of looking out for one another, written into law.

The storms in Texas show us what happens when communities aren’t prepared or supported and the heavy toll it takes on families and neighborhoods. But Maine doesn’t have to follow that path. We have the chance to build safer homes, stronger towns and a more resilient future before disaster strikes. That won’t happen by accident. It will take all of us — neighbors, leaders and lawmakers — committed to protecting the place we love. LD  1 is a beginning, but together, we can make sure Maine stays a place where families are safe, communities are strong. That way when the next storm comes, we’ll be ready.

Mattie Daughtry represents District 23 — Brunswick, Chebeague Island, Freeport, Harpswell, Pownal and part of Yarmouth — in the Maine Senate. She also serves as Maine’s Senate president. She can be reached at Mattie.Daughtry@legislature.maine.gov or 207-287-1515.