Those needing to stock up on items for severe weather prep, will get tax-relief this weekend during the fourth annual Severe Weather Awareness tax-free holiday Friday through Sunday.

The event is held in conjunction with Severe Weather Awareness Week in Alabama, with many items deemed necessary during a weather emergency being exempt from state sales tax.

While local sales taxes may still apply, the exemption covers listed items that are $60 or less individually.

The holiday begins at 12:01 on Friday and ends Sunday night at midnight.

Items covered under the tax exemption include items such as batteries, cell phone batteries, chargers light sources, tarps, duct tape and first aid kits.

In addition, any portable generator and power cords used to provide light or communications or preserve food are also exempt, if they are less than $1,000.

Local merchants such as Sporting Lifestyles and Marvin’s Building Materials are gearing up for the holiday.

At Sporting Lifestyles, Ben Tisdale said they have items such as batteries, flashlights, lanterns and tarps.

“We hope that the community will come out and purchase items needed to prepare their families for severe weather,” he said.

Mike Lovering of Marvin’s Building Materials said he hopes to have a better turnout than in years past.

“We are hoping more people will take advantage of the tax holiday,” he said. “We have pretty much everything on the list from building materials to generators to tarps and batteries.”