Extreme heat and wildfires

Prevention tips

1. Landscaping of leafy deciduous trees, especially on south, east and west-facing exposures, plays an important role in countering the summer heat. The tree cover should be at least 25% of the property.
2. Shade windows and glass doors during the day. For even more efficiency with facades very exposed to the sun, install permanent structures such as awnings, brise-soleils, louvres, etc.
3. Windows should be of energy-efficient quality (double or triple glazing) with low U-values.
4. For flat roofs, consider installing a green or white roof. There are also more heat-resistant shingles and coatings.
5. Avoid conifers too close to the house (10 metres in town and 30 metres in forest territory), as they are very flammable in times of extreme drought and wildfires.
6. Within a perimeter of 10 metres around the house, clean up tree branches and other flammable debris, including gutters.
7. Store firewood at a distance of at least 10 metres from the house.
8. Store flammable materials such as gasoline, propane and solvents outside the home and garage.

For more advice, visit the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction website.

Other topics that may interest you:

• Adapting to extreme weather events
• Flash floods and torrential rains