The Heat-Wave Prep Checklist
Be ready for extreme heat at home, on the road, and on the go. El Niño is pushing summer 2026 hotter than normal across much of the country. Most people are far more ready for a winter breakdown than a 110-degree one. Use this to close the gap.
This checklist is general information, not medical advice. In a heat emergency, call 911.
In your vehicle
The one most people skip- Shelf-stable emergency water (rated for heat and freezing, not just a warm bottle)
- A way to make shade: a reflective shade tarp + cordage, plus a windshield sun shade
- Electrolytes or oral rehydration salts (kept with you, not baking in the trunk)
- High-visibility vest + an LED roadside marker or sturdy reflective triangle
- A window breaker / seatbelt cutter you can reach
- Basic first aid, including burn gel
- Sun protection (SPF, a wide-brim hat, UV sleeves or a neck gaiter)
- A cooling towel
- A way to charge your phone that you keep with you (heat damages batteries left in a hot car)
- A printed plan: what to do if you are stranded in the heat
On the go / outdoors
- More water than you think you need (about 1 cup every 15 to 20 minutes when active in heat)
- Electrolytes
- Shade and sun protection (hat, SPF, UV layer)
- A cooling towel
- A turn-back plan for the hottest hours; tell someone your route and timing
At home
Heat wave or power outage- Stored drinking water (Ready.gov: at least 1 gallon per person per day, and need can double in heat)
- Battery fans + charged power banks
- A plan for kids, elderly family, and pets (never leave anyone in a parked car)
- A pre-identified cool room or cooling center
- A way to get alerts (weather radio or phone alerts)
Know the warning signs (and act fast)
Heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, cool or clammy skin, dizziness, headache, nausea, weakness. Move to shade, cool the body, sip water; get medical help if it worsens or lasts over an hour.
Heat stroke (call 911): hot skin, confusion, fast pulse, sweating may stop, possible fainting. Call 911, cool the body fast, do not force fluids on someone confused.
Keep a fuller heat-illness action card in your kit. This is general guidance, not medical advice.
Sources: CDC — Heat and Health, National Weather Service — Heat Safety, Ready.gov — Water.
Get the printable version
Drop your email and we will send the one-page printable PDF, plus notify you when the Vehicle Heat Readiness Kit launches. We are building it so you do not have to.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. We will only email you about heat prep and the kit.
The vehicle section above is exactly what we are building into the Vehicle Heat Readiness Kit →