Heat Stroke at Car Shows

[1973dodger]

How many others on this forum go to these car shows and cruise-ins in the heat of the summer on a hot asphalt parking lot? Hopefully, some you out there have found some new innovative ways to keep cool and wouldn't mind sharing what works for you with some links. I keep a pop-up awning in the trunk, but am worried to death of a gust of wind kicking up and banging into my car, or even worse, it hitting someone else's vehicle. Please share.

 

[SteveSS]

We're very careful at car shows here. The sun is so intense at 7500'. Shade is a must.

 

[RR Fan Dan]

I usually park my car and go look around at the other cars, then me and my daughter go out to a nice lunch and come back right before the awards ceremony.

 

[Dennis H]

Carlisle. The ultimate test. Ill be in the Tent.

 

[eldubb440]

wife bought me one of these last year and I forgot to bring it....... then Cranium shows up with one

 

[eldubb440]

Carlisle. The ultimate test. Ill be in the Tent.

Californy living has made you soft

 

[1 Wild R/T]

I rarely attend car shows... Heat stroke isn't an issue when driving around the foothills with a cool breeze blowing out of the A/C vents...

 

[threewood]

Not in a long time. I still remember the sweltering hot August days in Columbus at National Trail Raceway for the Nats. Me and my friend would pull a wagon with an ice chest around the venue.

 

[Triplegreen500]

Water, water, and more water. Or Gatorade. Or propel. By the gallon. If you aren't peeing, you aren't drinking enough. Carry some with you as well as having it at the car. Backpack or cargo shorts.

NOT BEER.

I have a 10x10 popup, and a handful of $1 harbor freight screwdrivers that I use as stakes (get the longest ones you can find). Easy to drive in, easy to reset if they "wiggle out". Tie the outrigger lines of the tent to your bumper. If you walk away, lower it as far as it will go to cut down on wind getting under it. And keep it tied to your bumper. You can also cut half circle "vents" throughout the tent to cut down on kiting, it'll give shade but let the wind blow right through. Have a shade tent, and a rain tent with no cuts, if you want.

If you feel dizzy, find shade and water.

If you feel chilly, find shade and water and get help from emergency response personnel.

 

[matthon]

Believe it or not a little salt in water helps the body retain fluids and replaces electrolytes.

I walked all over Carlisle last year, all day everyday, drank plenty of water mixed with packets of that LMNT stuff.

I had a ball cap and a fishing hat to choose from, and kept one of those cooling towels around my neck.

I don't do car shows at home, too long and boring, but big shows there's always a way to meander around, in and out of buildings, awnings, trees, to stay out of the sun/heat.

Went to Syracuse Nationals, passed on walking the back lot, not worth the risk.

 

[RemCharger]

Imagine the guys racing in that!

 

[Nutso]

Good advice so far! Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are no joke.

 

[Black_Sheep]

A canopy is a must, usually 2 or 3 guys in our group bring a 10x10. Most of the show venues are on grass so it’s east to anchor them down.

Stay hydrated, but avoid alcohol.

Make an ice pack with a microfiber towel and ice from the cooler. Last June a friend’s son keeled over at a show, we cooled him by icing his chest and underarms to cool his core temperature and called 911. By the time paramedics arrived he was alert and talking again. It was scary **** because he was half my age and appeared to be in relatively good shape.

If it’s really hot one of the guys will bring a garden sprayer full of water to mist exposed skin. It is cooling as the water evaporates.

Pace yourself and know the the signs of heat stroke, be proactive so discomfort doesn’t turn into distress.

 

[1967coronet]

At Des Moines Good Guys on the 4th of July each year it can get pretty hot and humid.
We always pack our cooler with water and some ice cold beer.
Even if you can't park in the shade there is always a tree ect to park your lawn chair.
The more water you drink the better you can handle the heat.
I know everyone says no beer, but when its 95 and humid a ice cold brew is damn good.
Never drink to many is the important thing, just a couple. and they do have 1st aid folks all over the place if needed. Also there are a few large buildings open with AC on.

 

[toolmanmike]

My buddy Joe spent Saturday evening in the hotel room under the covers trying to warm up. Too much sun during the day and it's like he went into shock when the cold room air hit him. He was shaking trying to warm up.

 

[dfrazz]

After the past few years of hosting one of my shows on an afternoon in July, I moved the show to last Saturday morning. 65 degrees instead of 95, and had over 160 cars show up which was about 40 more than usual. Could've been the free donuts too.

 

[mmissile]

Carlisle is oppressive heat. It's like SE Asia during the mopar event.

 

[Black_Sheep]

There was an older fellow with a cane sitting on the back of our car trailer on Saturday. It looked like he was struggling so I offered him water and a lawn chair under the canopy to get him out of the sun. He probably sat there for an hour and looked a lot better when he got up to go. We should all look out for each other…

 

[JackR]

Everything goes dormant here from now until September

 

[Dave6T4]

I have one of those pop-up canopies I use at car shows. For shows on grass, I anchor it with two ratchet straps on opposite corners hooked into those screw-into-the-ground things that dog owners use for the leash for their dogs. For shows on pavement (ugh), you could bring a couple of brake drums to anchor the straps.