Over the past week, a relentless barrage of extreme weather events has battered communities across Europe and North America, underscoring the growing toll of climate change and the urgent need for both personal and government-led disaster preparedness. From monster waves in Spain’s Canary Islands to atmospheric rivers pounding the U.S. West Coast, the destructive power of nature has been on full display—and the risks are only expected to rise.
On Sunday, November 16, 2025, the government of the Canary Islands issued a stark advisory: stay away from the shoreline. High winds and rough seas had whipped up enormous waves, threatening anyone venturing too close. Despite these warnings, nearly 20 people were swept out to sea off Tenerife Island, according to official reports. Tragically, three of them did not make it back to shore. The incident has left the local community shaken, serving as a grim reminder of how quickly conditions can turn deadly, even for those who believe they are prepared.
According to the advisory, the dangerous surf was the result of a confluence of meteorological factors, with gale-force winds combining with high tides to create what many described as “monster waves.” Local authorities and rescue services worked tirelessly to save as many as they could, but the sea’s power proved overwhelming for some. The government’s warning, though timely, could not prevent all from being caught off guard by the ferocity of the storm.
This tragedy unfolded as part of a wider pattern of extreme weather events reported around the world in the same week. The U.S. West Coast faced its own challenges as an atmospheric river—a narrow corridor of concentrated moisture—unleashed heavy rains on California, prompting flood warnings and causing widespread concern. Meanwhile, up in Washington, authorities scrambled to prepare for rising waters, and in Europe, Storm Claudia battered Portugal, Britain, and several neighboring countries with wind and rain.
As these events played out, the drumbeat of scientific warnings about climate change grew louder. According to coverage from various news outlets, experts are now predicting that such intense and frequent weather events will only become more common as the planet continues to warm. The risks are not limited to dramatic coastal rescues or flooded highways; they extend to the very foundations of our homes and communities.
With the threat of flooding and water damage looming ever larger, the question for many homeowners is clear: what can be done to protect property and loved ones? The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has long advocated for a series of practical, preemptive measures designed to mitigate the risks posed by rising waters. Chief among these recommendations is the installation of flood vents in garages and crawlspaces.
Flood vents, as explained in FEMA’s brochure titled "Protect Your Home from Flooding," are small, permanent openings in the lower portion of a wall. Their purpose is deceptively simple: to allow water to pass through rather than build up against a structure, which can lead to catastrophic foundation failure. By letting water flow in and out, these vents equalize pressure and reduce the risk of a cracked or collapsed foundation—a repair that can be far more costly and disruptive than replacing damaged mechanical or electrical equipment.
But installing flood vents is not a one-size-fits-all solution. FEMA recommends placing a vent on each wall of a vulnerable space, with at least two openings per wall. The total opening area should be at least one square inch for every square foot of enclosed area below the region’s base flood elevation. It’s a technical guideline, but following it can make a world of difference when the water starts to rise.
However, there are important caveats. Flood vents only work if they are unobstructed, both inside and outside the home. Something as mundane as a tool bench pushed up against a vent in the garage, or a pile of leaves blocking an exterior opening, can render these lifesaving features useless. Homeowners are urged to regularly check their vents and clear away any debris or obstacles.
There are also structural considerations. If a home is built on an incline, or if the ground outside funnels water toward a particular spot, flood vents could actually let more water in than they let out. It’s a reminder that flood prevention is as much about understanding your property’s unique vulnerabilities as it is about following general guidelines.
FEMA’s advice doesn’t stop at flood vents. The agency also recommends sealing foundations with expanding waterproof caulk to close up any small gaps, installing sump pumps to draw groundwater away from the home, and adding backwater preventers to stop sewer water from flowing back into pipes during a flood. Each of these measures adds a layer of protection, and together they form a robust defense against the unpredictable forces of nature.
Yet, as research from the University of Vermont points out, individual action can only go so far. The study found that people are less likely to invest in smaller preventative measures—like installing flood vents—if they don’t see larger-scale mitigation projects being undertaken by government officials. In other words, it’s hard for homeowners to feel their efforts matter when the broader system seems unprepared or unresponsive to the scale of the threat. "A couple of openings in the garage won’t do much in the face of hurricane-force waves," the research suggests, highlighting the need for coordinated public and private action.
This interplay between personal responsibility and collective action is at the heart of the challenge posed by climate change. While it’s critical for individuals to take practical steps to protect their homes, such as installing flood vents and keeping them clear, these measures are most effective when backed by comprehensive, government-led initiatives—such as improved coastal defenses, better emergency warning systems, and robust infrastructure upgrades.
Back in the Canary Islands, the aftermath of the deadly waves has left residents grappling with grief and uncertainty. For many, the events of November 16 serve as a wake-up call: nature’s fury is not just a distant threat, but a present and growing danger. As communities from California to Portugal reckon with the aftermath of flooding and storms, the message is clear—preparation, both at the individual and societal level, is no longer optional.
As the world faces a future of more frequent and severe weather events, the lessons of this tumultuous week resonate far beyond the battered shores of Tenerife or the rain-soaked streets of California. The tools to protect ourselves exist, but using them effectively will require vigilance, cooperation, and a willingness to adapt to a changing climate.