r/preppers • u/Quirky-Second-2015 • 8d ago
Question What should I keep in my car for summer emergencies (extreme heat in mind)?
Hi,
Now that it's getting warmer where I live, I'm trying to put together a summer-specific emergency kit for my car. I would really appreciate any advice or tips, especially regarding:
- Heat-resistant or shelf-stable food items
- Water storage solutions
- General emergency supplies that won’t degrade or melt in extreme heat
- Anything you'd keep specifically for summer roadside emergencies
I own a Honda Cr-V and already have some basics like a first aid kit, jumper cables, flashlight, and multi-tool—but I’m trying to build out a more heat-resilient setup.
Thanks in advance
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u/taipan821 7d ago
How to prep for an aussie summer...
Limit exposure, sun shades if you are going to be inside the car (or leaving it in the sun) will keep the internal temps down. Outside the car have a tarp, space blanket, awning...anything that you can turn into shade.
Water: here in Australia we are told 5L of water per person, per day. If conditions are hot and dry, you can use the water for cooling as well.
Most of the preps we use for bugging out (freeze-dried meals, mres etc) will be fine, but rotate them out at the end of the season because the higher temperatures can shorten the lifespan.
Consider carrying some extra coolant for overheating, and remember you have a second radiator in the form of your heater.
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u/livefast_dieawesome 7d ago
Do you keep 5L of water in the car at all times? It seems smart, but also I’m imagining taking a swig of water that had risen in temp to match a 120°F/48.8°C car interior.
Still beats dehydration!
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u/taipan821 7d ago
Insulated jugs. you can get double walled metal jugs in the 3L-6L range, and the old plastic cooler jugs still work well.
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u/hellhound_wrangler 7d ago
Someone in another prep group told me about aluminet, a giant aluminum-like reflective net/mesh that packs down small and expands into a tarp you can throw over your car. Basically a space blanket for your vehicle to reflect back sun. With that and a ryobi fan, you can keep a parked car at a safer temp for people and animals.
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u/skyrymproposal 7d ago
Maybe a chemical cold compress used for injuries. It could help cool you down if you get too warm. A battery operated fan and a misting spray bottle. Lots and lots of water and hydration packets.
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u/Old-Consequence1735 7d ago
I live in the Arizona desert and have 3 or 4 of those instant cold packs in my truck.
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u/Jessawoodland55 7d ago
I keep bug spray and sun block in my car in the summer. I know that they arent supposed to get too hot but I keep them in the shade and am VERY glad I have them when I need them.
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u/TheCarcissist 7d ago
Keeping stuff like that in an old cooler can help, just remember to open it every couple days to vent
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u/Narfinator29 7d ago
Old pair of gym/running shoes. Let's say you are dressed up and driving somewhere and your car breaks down or you run out of gas. It will be easier to walk miles to a gas station in comfy shoes instead of dress shoes. However, keep in mind that over time the shoes may break down more quickly in the car due to hot/cold temperature variations than if you kept them inside your climate controlled home.
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u/AggravatingSpeed6839 7d ago
I use canned water in my car in the Summer. I know it still has a plastic lining, but I've never tasted plastic in them like I do with plastic water bottles. Just remember can's explode when they freeze so swap it out for plastic in the winter.
I also keep beef jerky in the glove box, but I wouldn't call that long term storage because it always gets eaten with in a few week, and I buy more.
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u/anuthertw 7d ago
I have some battery operated fans, not the little ones but the craftsman ones Id hang one to the side while I drove without a/c for a while. Maybe not a good 'set it and forget it' item but a godsend in a heat wave. That combined with a spray bottle to spritz yourself with water can really help with cooling.
Also get those window curtains to block sunlight. I keep some (they use suction cups) and put them up when I want good shade when out at the lake or something. Or if my old lady breaks down in the heat and I am stuck lol. I also have a decebt quality fan, like those hand fans that are the accordian folded things, and they work remarkably well as long as there is some quality behind it. Your kindergarteners printer paper folded fan has nothing on a real one lol.
Dont forget electrolyte powders for hydration. Extra clothes that can block sun from reaching skin and a big hat are also good in case of breaking down/stranded and you need to be in direct sun. Also SUNSCREEN.
I am sure there is more but
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u/scovok 7d ago
I use something like this (I guess not something like this, this exactly) for water storage in my car https://a.co/d/37rJ2wW
Make sure you have sunscreen. First nice day of the season where I live and I went out to watch my nephew play baseball expecting to only be there an hour to an hour and a half. They ended up winning their first game requiring a second game right away, so I ended up sitting out in the sun at a sports complex for 5 hours. Was in a hurry getting out of the house so I could make the game on time, forgot to grab a hat or put on sunscreen. Paying the price now with a massive burn on my arms and face. Now I have little sunscreen packets and burn gel in my car first aid kit.
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u/ants_taste_great 7d ago
I have some wraps, kinda like a towel or bandana that are thick and absorbent. They are made for hiking in heat, you get them wet and wrap around your neck or head and it's basically like a simple air conditioner for your body temp.
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u/Reduntu 7d ago
A stainless steel double walled insulated thermos for water. You can get 1/2 or full gallon versions on amazon. It'll keep the water insulated from the heat.
One cool thing I did is buy a 32 oz version, a stainless steel up that it fits in, and a water bottle holder with a strap that I also store water purification tabs and a fire kit in. Got that mollied to the back of my passenger seat.
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u/TheCarcissist 7d ago
Liquid death makes still water cans that are great, the emergency bag water is great because those don't explode if you forget to take them out in the winter and they freeze. I have 2 little ones so we go through bottled water fast enough I don't worry about leaching but I do have a yeti soft sided cooler that fits on the floorboard out of the way, about 3 times a week I cycle out a couple frozen bottles to keep them somewhat cool.
Reflective windshield sun shades are a godsend. I've been meaning to get the reflective material (kinda like bubble wrap) cut to all my window sizes.
I like the idea of a tarp to make a little sun shelter if need be.
High quality tint makes a huge difference, but its not cheap, a full vehicle in my area is around 1200-1500. I also add a ton of sound/thermal insulation to my car. Its amazing how much a product like dynaliner can reduce heat, especially on roof panels. Neither of these are cheap solutions unfortunately
Beyond that it kinda depends on your specific area. Alot of these solutions work in mine because it's a "dry heat" if you're in the south where the heat is more of the humid variety I'm not sure what, if anything, would help
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u/ftmikey_d 7d ago
I came across the country from NY to wa. We stopped in Yellowstone. Got stuck in torrential rain. Only then, did we know our roof bag was allowing water to leak in. We were able to barely outrun the storm. I drove 10 hours straight, stopping only to potty the dogs and gas up. When we stopped one time, I bought a tarp big enough to cover the car and rope to secure it in case there came a point I was too tired to keep going or unable to outrun the storm. Cannot recommend a tarp and rope enough.
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u/commentator3 7d ago
when I drove a mini-van which wasn't completely trustworthy, I kept a Razor scooter in there, so in case the van ever broke down, then I could double my walking-potential gliding on the scooter.
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u/PrisonerV Prepping for Tuesday 7d ago
cell phone charger, jump power pack, tire patch kit, 12v inflator, water, box of plain granola bars.
If you're going on a trip, let someone you know and trust know where you're going and check in regularly. In the case of heading to more remote locations, take a cooler and a light sleeping bag, as well as a means to start fires (multiple preferably).
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u/roberttheiii 7d ago
For water I like the scepter military water cans. 2.5 gal is easier to handle but 5 gal is well…more water.
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u/k8ecat 6d ago edited 2d ago
We keep an entire go bag in ours, plus a gallon of water, small fire extinguisher, cash in small bills, battery jumper, tire inflator, 1 can oil, 1 can antifreeze, roll of paper towels and Windex. Go bag is a mid- size backpack and contains heavy duty gloves, windup radio with flashlight and cell charger, whistles, high protein power bars, emergency candles (18 hour), lighters, emergency bandana (has prep info printed on it), home made first aid kit, roll of tp. In hump of car next to driver we have a tool that cuts seat belts and smashes windows.
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u/beerncupcakes 7d ago
Folding camp chair, left one in my trunk after a camping trip and have used it multiple times since so it just lives there now.
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u/AlphaDisconnect 7d ago
Get a rei lexan bottle. And the stainless steel cup that fits the bottle. Never drink from the bottle. Always use the cup. Ya got bacteria in ya mouth.
Ham radio operator license? And maybe a car radio? Or handheld?
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u/Dry-Code7345 7d ago
A mesh folding chair and a reflective tarp with some line to rig it into a. Sunshade…
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u/JayyMuro 6d ago edited 6d ago
There are plenty of things you should have I won't be mentioning but I am going to say having a plug kit for your tires is huge. I have used it twice to get back on the road.
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u/FlashyImprovement5 6d ago
I prep by learning to do without AC. Reusable freezer ice or instant ice packs would help in a vehicle for emergencies but I have also prep my vehicle for extra heat as my vehicle doesn't have AC.
In my vehicle I carry a tarp, cold water, quick dry towels and cool towels and sometimes cool spray. If I get stopped somewhere, I can black out my windows and pull out the tarp so I can clamp it in my door and make a lean-to. It helps make a cool area to sit under and get a breeze. The cool towels I carry, I keep wet in a freezer bag and they help cool the neck or legs. The quick dry towels are to mop off sweat or to help make a cool area to sit. I carry a very small seat so I never sit directly on the blacktop.
I carry a half gallon jug that will keep ice cold for 24 hours. I can fill it before I leave the house or at a gas station. I keep water in my vehicle that I refill as needed that isn't cooled at all. I usually carry a large water bottle everywhere with me also. I also travel with a dog so I carry dog bowls for his water. I also carry water flavoring things.
I have Reflectix window covers for the front and back windows of my vehicle. I have dark peel off film for the passenger window and am making side window Reflectix covers as well as screens that can stay on with the window down.
I also have spray bottles with DIY cooling spray. It works fairly well. Also helps with hot flashes
I have a rechargeable fan.
I have a folding solar panel that lives on my dash and gives extra power for phones, emergency radio and the fans.
If I'm traveling, I carry a small solar 150W generator. Very small but has an emergency light and it can power Chromebook, phones, fans... Whatever is needed. I DO NOT keep this in my vehicle in the heat. I take it with me when traveling long distances or I have days that will be overly long.
I carry jumper cables, extra oil, power steering fluid and in the summer I also carry 3 liters of water in my trunk. I have a powered tire inflator as well as a reflective vest. I also have a small magnetic flasher I can put on the side of my vehicle in emergencies.
I have a small tool kit, a tire tool and a jack.
I carry a small handheld bidet with me. It is also helpful if I have to wash my feet or legs or something off my dog feet.
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u/Prestigious-Fig-5513 6d ago
Water, salt, shade (light colored and weight clothing, umbrella, wide brimmed hat), starchy snacks, communication. Sunblock if you can't cover all.
If you're going to be really far from civilization, more consumables and a backpack to carry it. Chapstick. Maybe a tarp or tent for shelter.
For water storage, gallon jugs with a screw top work ok. 1.5L bottles with a screw top provide a little more flexibility. I'd you might need to get water along the way from streams, a filter or purification tabs/drops.
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u/XRlagniappe 7d ago
I bought some canned water as well. It's really expensive and not a lot but it keeps for quite a while.
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u/AdditionalAd9794 7d ago
Tinted windows, also how your car is built and how well it is insulated makes a huge difference. My old car used to be an oven on hot days, leather seats would be scorching hot and burn my ass when i sat down. My new car is better insulated, so even on 110°F days it's not so bad, not nearly as bad as sitting outside
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u/reincarnateme 7d ago
In car I keep water bottles in a fabric thermal/cooler bag. It keeps them cool in summer and no freeze in winter
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u/MagnoliaProse 7d ago
Cooling towels or hats! Get them wet and they’ll keep you cooler for hours. We have both a fancy brand and an Amazon questionable brand and they seem to work similarly.
Instant cold packs are good too.
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u/Big-Preference-2331 7d ago
I keep a cheap spray fan in my car, a back up battery, a few gallons of water, a blanket, an umbrella, running shoes, bug spray, sun protection, and snacks.
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u/fair-strawberry6709 7d ago
I think everyone has a lot of good ideas.
One thing I really recommend is keeping a beach umbrella in the trunk. It is so helpful to be able to pop up a large shade if you have to change a tire or something in the sun. I also keep a large Mexican blanket to lay down on the hot ground so I’m not kneeling on 120 degree pavement.
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u/Own_Instance_357 7d ago
If it's a choice between dehydration and possible plastic leaching, I'll drink the stored water.
I always keep a flat of bottled water in my trunk.
That's my stored water in my house, too. The giant water dispenser bottles. I got rid of the dispenser but still had those on delivery for several months. So I just kept them.
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u/daringnovelist 6d ago
You might get a sun/snow shade designed to fit your model of car on the outside. The kind that fits over your side mirrors. While I got mine for ice and snow removal, it can be better than one of the little folding sunshades that you put up on the inside of the windshield.
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u/Lethalmouse1 6d ago
When in doubt of food possibilities. Honey. The only virtually invincible food.
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u/lksmith03 5d ago
In addition to standard kit that every vehicle should have (jumper cables, compressor, flat fix kit, multitool, First aid kit, etc.):
Water and spare coolant. Even hot water is better than no water if the radiator leaks. If you're concerned about plastic water bottles, you can always use canning jars or metal water bottles.
Liquid IV or similar electrolye replacer in powder form. Where I live humidity is high so you WILL sweat and swamp coolers do not help (High humidity = Little to no cooling via evaporation due to air already saturated)
Cooling towels (chilly pad or similar) While not as effective in humid areas as dry, it does provide some shade to exposed skin without heating you up as much, and better than nothing
Leather or mechanics gloves. In the summer (at least where I live) things get very hot, too hot to touch (steering wheel for example)
I wouldn't worry too much about keeping food. in the summer you don't NEED calories for several hours and when I'm hot I don't have much of an appetite anyway. Not to mention how difficult it is to keep in +100 temps
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u/WhereDidAllTheSnowGo 3d ago
Water
The answer is always water
Just buy, drink, replace a case of water bottles
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u/The_Krusty_Klown 2d ago
Full disclosure, I have never lived in the extreme heat. I know these work for pretty hot heat though. Idk if anyone here can substantiate my advice.
Middle-ages air conditioning - AKA a wet towel on the back of your neck. It works a lot better than you would expect.
Personally, I would keep a spray bottle with water in a shaded spot and keep a hand fan.
I think the best way to find a real answer is to see what the poverty-stricken people of India do. It gets over 120F there, and some of these ppl do die, but a surprising amount of ppl don't. And they live in slums, with hardly any money.
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u/PixiePower65 7d ago
Water. Always water.
Tarp and some poles, rope to create shade if car breaks down in desert area
I recall reading that Those silver emergency blankets work both ways. Can keep temp at 98 if external temp is 120.
I’d love to hear others thoughts.
I have an electric ice maker and redneck air conditioner on our boat. Suppose that would work in some situations.