In reply to Pbob:
I don't really "dig" multipurpose emergency tools...
The trouble with "emergency" multipurpose tools is that they are usually not simple, or don't do anything really well. If it's a tool for emergency, it should perform really well in the emergency, being easy to assemble (under huge stress and in cold!) and dig really well in super hardened avalanche debris. Any multipurpose tool would probably have some compromises.
That said, many shovels have holes in them for use as deadmans, for anchoring tent in snow (although I have no idea of their effectivity as deadmans under heavier loads), and while I am not aware of any B or T rating of the shaft (anybody knows?), if you can use your skis as a deadman in some situations, you can probably use the shovel shaft as well.
The most important thing is of course not getting into any avalanche in the first place! Evaluate conditions, slope, past conditions, terrain traps, evaluate again, dig a Rutsch block if in doubt and be ready to abandon the route or whole plans if in doubt (it's mostly the mindset of "oh, when we already drove here for five hours and it's the only free weekend we have, we should just push on, what could happen!" that gets people into trouble).
The second most important thing is of course having the holy trinity (transceiever, probe, shovel) with you and know how to use them (as realistic training as possible, under stress conditions).