Here's How to Prepare Your Home for Heat Waves

Damage Prevention

A solid damage prevention strategy to protect your home from extreme summer heat includes long-term planning and emergency preparation.

Long-Term Planning

Preparing your home for extreme heat events includes home improvements to provide shade, a cool indoor environment, mitigating excess humidity and providing back-up power in the event of a power outage. Some of these updates and upgrades are simple DIY tasks, while others may require professional assistance.

Home Protection Products

Gear up with essential equipment and supplies to help prepare your home for extreme heat events and to help you react swiftly to emergency situations.

Emergency Preparedness

What to Do if There’s an Extreme Heat Event Alert or Warning

Environment Canada issues a heat warning when temperatures are at least 30℃ with a humidex of 40 or more or when a temperature of 40℃ is expected to last for an hour or more. Local authorities typically define extreme heat events as episodes of high temperatures lasting for three days or more, but preparation for a warning or an event is similar. Here’s how to get ready.

Power Generators

Here’s How to Choose a Backup Power Source

Extreme weather, like summer storms and extreme heat, can cause power outages. Losing your home’s main power source can lead to discomfort or danger, especially for family members who rely on electrically powered home medical equipment. It can also impact home-based businesses. A backup generator will provide peace of mind. Here are options to consider.

Damage Mitigation

The good news about heat waves is that unlike severe weather events like floods, heat damage develops over time, allowing homeowners to step in before it becomes severe. Here’s what to look for and how to repair interior and exterior damage from extreme summer heat.

Inspect Your Home for Weather and Heat Damage

Here’s How to Repair Weather and Heat Damage to Your Home

Extreme heat, coupled with elements like wind and UV rays, can damage your home’s exterior. Indoors, poor ventilation, sealing and/or humidity can lead to mould and other problems. Here’s what to look for and how to repair damage to your home in order to protect its value and integrity.

At-Home Comfort during Heat Waves

Here’s How to Make Your Home More Comfortable during Heat Waves

Unlike some extreme weather events, residents should stay home during a heat wave. We’ve already discussed how to prepare and protect your home against weather and heat damage; read on for tips on staying comfortable during an extreme heat event.

Home Repair & Comfort Products

Stay comfortable at home as you take shelter from summer heat waves. These home supplies, tools and equipment can keep your property looking and feeling its best.

Here’s How to Re-Caulk Around Windows

Extreme weather can do a number on weatherstripping, window sealant and caulk, leading to cracks, peeling and other damage. This can lead to drafts that make it harder to keep your home cool in summer and warm in winter. Here’s how to maintain energy efficiency with a simple repair.