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Americans were reminded this week that winter storms are not a time for complacency but for commonsense preparation, as AAA’s repair systems managers and spokesmen began urging motorists to stock their vehicles before the next blast of bad weather. David Bennett and other AAA experts have been clear: an emergency kit in your car isn’t optional anymore, it’s basic personal responsibility. Those warnings should jolt every hardworking family into action rather than waiting for government rescue that may never come.
The practical list is straightforward and familiar: a first-aid kit, phone charger and portable power, flashlight with extra batteries, nonperishable snacks and bottled water, plus a sturdy shovel and ice scraper to free yourself from the ditch. AAA also emphasizes blankets, extra clothing like gloves and hats, traction aids such as sand or kitty litter, jumper cables, and warning devices so other drivers can see you if you’re stranded. Pack these things now and keep them refreshed so your family won’t be at the mercy of panicked officials or delayed plows.
One item Bennett flagged that surprises folks is a gasoline can — but only if used correctly. AAA experts warn that if you choose to carry extra fuel you must use a Department of Transportation approved container, secure it properly in the trunk, and replace stored gas frequently because it degrades, so this is for people who know what they’re doing, not the headline-hungry amateurs who leave loose cans in the back seat. That nuance matters because the last thing anyone needs in a winter emergency is an avoidable hazard made worse by sloppy preparation.
Beyond supplies, AAA’s checklist includes real maintenance that can prevent being stranded: winter tires where appropriate, a strong battery, topped-off fluids, good wiper blades, and the correct tire pressure. These are not luxury items for the privileged; they are sensible precautions that save lives and reduce demand on first responders who are already stretched thin. It’s common-sense stewardship of your vehicle and your family, and it should be treated as such.
If you do find yourself stuck, AAA’s advice is plain and lifesaving: stay in your vehicle for shelter, use hazard lights for visibility, and call for help rather than wandering onto dangerous roads. Turning the engine off when a jam is clearly long can conserve fuel, and keeping a phone charged with a backup power source is essential for communication and navigation. Acting calmly and following these basic steps separates those who get through a storm from those who end up in grim headlines.
This is a moment to embrace self-reliance, not to wait for bureaucrats or headline-chasing politicians to fix things after the fact. Hardworking Americans fix, prepare, and look out for their neighbors; we do not beg for permission to survive. If officials want our respect, they should earn it with real preparedness and clear roads, but in the meantime families must take responsibility at home and on the highway.
Don’t be the person who finds out the hard way that preparedness matters. Fill your kit, get your car checked, teach your family what to do, and keep your patriotism practical: protect your loved ones first, then demand accountability from anyone who fails to do their job during a crisis.
