When out and about in your vehicle you should always have 10 essential items (especially with winter weather coming):

1. Your valid driver's license
2. A valid registration
3. Proper, in-force auto insurance
4. Tow or AAA phone numbers
5. A working spare
6. A complete jack kit
7. Maps of the area (GPS is not infallible)
8. A small, empty gas can (1-2 gal.)
9. A $5 bill and some change (for the gas to get to the nearest gas station or a pay phone call)
10. A cellular phone

You could/should also add some tools, a blanket, flares, first aid kit, etc.

Bottom line is  . . . Be Prepared!  Natural disasters?  See my post Are You Prepared for a Natural Disaster?