We have a Garmin StreetFinder 2720 and are really thrilled.  It was a great "get home from a Hurricane" item since we were driving on unfamiliar roads through construction.

Among our final selections, we grabbed a bunch of tools, screw drivers, hammers, saws etc.  We guess that an axe may have been handy but we didn't have one (another item for the "Home Depot" shopping list...).

This may sound ridiculous, but what if you need to signal to a rescuer?  Or more likely...what if you need to make a political statement that might be broadcast on CNN 100 times over a 4 day period? 

Seriously though, these two items won't take up much room and it's better than trying to spray paint "help" messages on the roof of your car!  We considered bringing spray paint but in 100 degree weather, we decided that it could be dangerous.  A big poster marker will work just as well.

You wouldn't want to be without these multipurpose items if you don't know what conditions you'll be going to.

Blankets are multipurpose items.  One, it covers the stuff in your car to make it a wee bit less attractive to a thief.   If you get a reflective blanket, you can attempt to shield yourself from the sun or wrap up someone who is injured.  It can become an emergency tent or a flat pillow.  If you end up in a shelter, unexpectedly, you can sleep on your blanket.  Most of the last minute "shelter of last resorts" do not have blankets - they are safe places to be, but not comfortable!  Remember they didn't have time to prepare so if you have a cot, you'll be lucky!

This little multipurpose item can be used for first aid or part of your cooling system (dip the cloth in ice water and pat your forehead).  It could also be a nice napkin or placemat for portable meals...

We brought our tiny cooler and wish we had more space.  Now we have those insulated bags from the grocery store (you know...those bags where you can put icecream or other frozen foods in so that they'll stay cold if you live far from the store).   It's hot out there and you'll want plenty of cold drinks.  The melted ice water can also be your portable cooling system or emergency water later on.  

Ok...it's a luxury but we didn't buy much and it was light weight.  Sometimes, you need a few "lift your spirit" items and we hate having oily feathers!

Yes, unless it's winter, take your bug spray just in case!  We even found some neat soap at the camping store that had lavender and other "natural" insect repellants in it so that you could wash your hands and be protected at the same time.

We buy a new State Atlas for each emergency - our highways change all the time so we want the most up-to-date road info.

Stuck on the highway in Texas heat?  You need a portable mister!!!

Everyone should have an emergency kit (even if you're not in Hurricane Alley) - here are the basics.