SYLACAUGA, Ala. – The South normally has to wait for Winter to turn to Spring for the normal waves of severe weather to hit. But warmer temperatures earlier in the year seem to have jump-started that process.
Being prepared for severe weather is very important. It is so paramount the State of Alabama observes a sales tax holiday for many supplies Alabamians will surely need in case of severe weather.
The sixth annual Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday will last three days spanning from Friday, Feb. 24. to Sunday, Feb. 26. During the 3-day holiday, certain emergency preparedness items will be exempt from the state’s 4-percent sales tax and some local taxes will be cut by certain cities and counties.
Sylacauga, Childersburg, and Talladega are among 222 localities that notified the state that they would be participating in the tax holiday.
The Alabama Retail Association is encouraging everyone to take advantage of the tax break and restock on emergency supplies for your homes, cars, and workplaces. The tax-exempt items including the following priced at $60 or less:
- Flashlights, lanterns
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Batteries
- First-aid kits
- Cell phone charger
- Two-way radios
- Manual can openers
- Tarps and plastic sheeting
- Duct tape
- Fire extinguishers
- Tie-down kits, bungee cords or rope
Other tax-free items include: Coolers, ice packs, plywood, window film and smoke/fire/carbon monoxide detectors. Portable generators and power cords costing $1,000 or less are also tax free.
According to Gregory Robinson with the Alabama Emergency Management Agency, tornadoes are the biggest threat during the upcoming severe weather season. He urges everyone to have a safety plan which should include having the right supplies readily available at a moment’s notice.
“When your area is included in a tornado warning, there is no time to gather what you need and go to your safe place,” said Robinson. “Those decisions should already be made. Purchasing severe weather preparedness items is part of making that decision.”
Check out the full list of tax exempt items on the Alabama Department of Revenue website.
Jeremy Law for SylacaugaNews.com | © 2017, SylacaugaNews.com/Marble City Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
