Cast iron skillets ($10-$35 each). My kids joke that they don't know whether I'd save them or the skillets in a fire.
Smartwool socks. I do not understand - all other wool is hot & itchy but these socks, I can be sweaty all over but my feet stay dry. I just bought my second round, looked at purchase history, my old ones were twelve years old before they started getting holes.
Linen clothing for hot weather, it provides shade and I am cooler wearing it, than not. (Moisture wicking fabric doesn't work where I live.)
Metal roof (20 thousand dollars) on both the houses I have 'bought' (mortgage) over my life. Not quite 2x the cost of shingles but never have to think about it again. The first one was 30 years ago and still absolutely solid no maintenance yet.
You should tell your kids that OF COURSE you'll save them over your skillets if there's a fire.... but only because the skillets will probably survive the blaze
Dude, wool socks 1000x YES. I got a few fair of Darn Tough socks maybe 5-6 years ago and I have maybe 12 pairs now. They're expensive but those first ones I got are still on my weekly rotation and they're still great. Also lifetime warranty/guarantee - basically if they wear out they'll send you new ones. Kinda like the Patagonia of socks.
It's over the actual roof, just like shingles would be. Wood deck then insulation/waterproofing layer then the steel panels. The first one they actually installed over the shingles! Nothing that has fallen on them or hit them has damaged them, no. I'm sure something could, but much less prone to damage than those asphalt shingles. And much better looking, and doesn't make the house or world as hot.