Space blankets (also known as emergency blankets or Mylar blankets) are lightweight, affordable, and extremely useful for people living in their cars. Here are safe, practical, and creative ways to use a space blanket for warmth, privacy, and comfort when unhoused: 🛏️ 1. Improving Insulation at Night Wrap yourself: Use it like a sleeping bag liner to reflect your body heat and stay warm. - Layer beneath you: Place it under your seat with a blanket or cushion to prevent heat loss to the seat. You can also cut one up and put it under your cars floor mat to keep the cold and moisture from penetrating up into your legs. same rule applies in the summer time with deflecting outside heat. Even helps when you drive. 🚗 2. Window Insulation & Privacy Shield Line windows: Tape the shiny side facing inward to reflect your heat back into the car. Block visibility: Use it as a discreet privacy curtain with clips or magnets. 🌡️ 3. Temperature Control Warmth in the cold: Reflects up to 90% of body heat—great for frigid nights. Reflecting heat in summer: Place it shiny side up on the outside of the windshield to deflect sunlight. Tape to a piece of cardboard cut to fit the window, don't forget to darken the outside of the window. 💧 4. Rain Protection Use as an emergency waterproof cover for broken windows or as a tarp taped to the roof before the rain starts if you ave a leaky sky light, 🎒 5. Emergency Signal Device. The shiny surface can be used to signal for help by reflecting sunlight toward passersby or aircraft. 🧽 6. Make a Quick Interior Curtain. Tape or use magnets or clip it inside for privacy when changing, sleeping, or using a portable toilet. 🧍‍♂️ 7. To Stay Warm While Outside Wrap it around yourself while walking to shelter, waiting for help, or staying near your vehicle. Tip: Space blankets are noisy and can tear easily. You can reinforce them with duct tape or layer them under bedding to reduce sound and wear. If you—or someone you know—needs direction on using space blankets or other survival tools, **Homeless Long Island** provides guidance and essentials to those in need. You're not alone—reach out, and we can help.