Although its important to bring drinking water (and drink a lot of it!) wherever you go in the summertime, the problem with leaving water in the car is that it gets too hot to drink and tastes like plastic. Its a good idea to carry a little ice chest in your car even if you are just driving to Las Vegas. It just takes a couple of extra minutes to load a small chest with ice, some bottles of water and even a small spray bottle filled with water to cool your face or the car interior each time you enter your hot car. Its always smart to carry a charged cell phone, and of course, make sure your car is in good repair to avoid breakdowns. You may want to keep a golf umbrella in the trunk in case you need shade.

Take particular care when driving with babies, small children, and the elderly. The intense inside temperature of a car that has been parked in the sun can be completely overwhelming to those with fragile systems. If possible, drive with someone who can turn on the air and cool the car off before you put a baby in the car. Be careful of scorching seat belt buckles. A wet washrag from your ice chest can really be helpful here. Let little children wipe off with a cool rag between errands. Try to schedule appointments and errands for either early morning, or in the evening after the sun goes down.

Remember, it is simply never safe to leave anyone, including pets, in a hot car. Our desert temperatures are extreme. Making the effort to prepare can help keep you safe and allow you to enjoy the weather.

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