August brings some of the heaviest traffic of the year, which is why it’s National Traffic Awareness Month. Whether you’re driving to work or finishing up a summer road trip, a breakdown on a hot highway or a sudden storm can turn dangerous fast.

Most car emergency kits are built for winter. They come with blankets, ice scrapers and hand warmers. Those items won’t help much in August. A summer breakdown calls for gear that handles extreme heat, dehydration and poor visibility during heavy rain.

Here are five items to add to your kit before your next drive.

1. A Tool You Can Reach in Seconds

A window breaker and seatbelt cutter can save your life in a crash, but only if you can get to it. Keep this tool in your center console or glove box, not the trunk. If your car doors jam or your windows won’t roll down, you need this within arm’s reach right away.

2. Water That Can Handle the Heat

Plastic water bottles left in a hot car can break down and release chemicals into the water. Temperatures inside a parked car can climb well above the outside temperature, even on a mild day. Pack water in aluminum cans or sealed emergency water pouches instead. These hold up better in extreme heat and give you a safer option if you’re stuck waiting for help.

3. Gear That Helps Drivers See You

If you have to pull over to change a tire or wait for a tow, being seen matters more than almost anything else. Keep a high-visibility safety vest and a few compact LED beacons in your trunk. Put the vest on before you step out of the car. Set the beacons a safe distance behind your vehicle so other drivers have time to react.

4. A Plan for Sudden Storms

Late summer storms can roll in fast and cut visibility to almost nothing. Pack a small flashlight, a phone charger that works without your car running, and a poncho or rain jacket. If you need to step outside during a downpour, dry clothes and a working phone make a real difference.

5. Basic Supplies for Waiting It Out

Breakdowns can mean sitting on the side of the road for longer than you’d like. A small first aid kit, snacks that won’t melt, and a paper map or printed directions can help if your phone battery runs low. Keep a few extra items, like sunscreen and a hat, in case you’re stuck outside during the hottest part of the day.

Build the Kit Now, Not Later

You don’t need to buy everything at once. Start with the window breaker and water, since those address the most immediate risks. Add the rest as you’re able. Check your kit every few months and swap out anything that’s expired or worn down, especially water and snacks.

A few minutes of preparation now can make a real difference if you’re ever stuck on the side of the road in the heat.