Certain emergency supplies tax exempt this weekend

April 23--Severe weather in parts of the country this weekend provide a reminder that it's important to be prepared for major storms.

Hurricane season is right around the corner and Walker County residents know what it's like when one of those storms hits the Gulf Coast. Almost nine years ago, Hurricane Ike made landfall in Galveston and knocked out power in parts of Walker County for up to two weeks.

To help ease the burden for Texans who would like to stock up on necessities they could be cut off from or in need of during a natural disaster, this weekend is the Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday for certain items. Shoppers can purchase emergency supplies without paying sales tax today and Monday.

"It's always a good idea to be prepared for not only hurricane season, but throughout the year because severe weather can strike at any moment," said Sherri Pegoda, the county's deputy emergency management coordinator.

"You need a supply of food and water for each person for three days, but there are other items like generators and batteries you might need in case power goes out and you are forced to stay where you are at."

People will not have to pay sales tax today through Monday at midnight on the following items: portable generators less than $3,000; emergency ladders and hurricane shutters less than $300; axes; batteries, single or multipack (AAA cell, AA cell, C cell, D cell, 6-volt or 9-volt); nonelectric can openers; carbon monoxide detectors; nonelectric coolers and ice chests for food storage; fire extinguishers; first aid kits; fuel containers; ground anchor systems and tie-down kits; hatchets; reusable and artificial ice products; portable, self-powered and battery-operated light sources such as candles, flashlights and lanterns; mobile telephone batteries and mobile telephone chargers; portable, self-powered and battery-operated radios including two-way and weather band; smoke detectors; and tarps and other plastic sheeting.

There are certain supplies that could be used in emergency situations but are not tax-exempt this weekend. Those items include batteries for automobiles, boats and other motorized vehicles; camping stoves and supplies; chainsaws; plywood; extension ladders and stepladders; tents; repair or replacement parts for emergency preparation supplies and services performed on or related to emergency preparation supplies.

"This weekend being tax free is a great time to get emergency supplies for not only your home, but your workplace or hunting or fishing cabin," Pegoda said. "Weather is hard to predict and you never know when you might be in an emergency situation."

For more information about the Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday, call 1-800-252-5555.

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