Residents encouraged to stock up for weather emergencies

Alabama’s seventh annual Severe Weather Awareness Sales Tax Holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. Friday and ends at midnight on Sunday.

During the tax holiday, local consumers can purchase severe weather preparedness items ranging from batteries to generations free from state sales tax, and some local sales taxes. Covington County sales taxes, as well as sales taxes in Opp, Florala, and Red Level are being waived on certain items. Andalusia is not participating in the tax holiday.

“This is a good time to restock emergency supplies in homes, workplaces and vehicles during this three-day tax holiday,” the Covington County EMA office  advises in a press release. “The Covington County Emergency Management Agency wants you to be prepared. This tax relief will enable you to purchase all kinds of items that you might need during or after a severe weather event. We recommend having enough supplies in emergency kits to last 72 hours following a disaster.”

The tax holiday applies to numerous items that have a sales price of $60 or less per item, including:

• Batteries: AAA-cell batteries, AA-cell batteries, C-cell batteries, D-cell batteries, 6-volt batteries, 9-volt batteries. (NOTE: coin batteries, automobile batteries, and boat batteries are not exempt.)

• Cellular phone battery / Cellular phone charger

• Portable self-powered or battery-powered radio, two-way radio, weather-band radio or NOAA weather radio

• Portable self-powered light source, including battery-powered flashlights, lanterns, or emergency glow sticks

• Tarpaulin, plastic sheeting, plastic drop cloths, and other flexible, waterproof sheeting

• Ground anchor system, such as bungee cords or rope, or tie-down kits

• Duct tape

• Plywood, window film or other materials specifically designed to protect window coverings

• Non-electric food storage cooler or water storage container

• Non-electric can opener

• Artificial ice, blue ice, ice packs, reusable ice

• Self-contained first aid kit / Fire extinguisher / Smoke detector / Carbon monoxide detector

In addition, portable generators and power cords with a sales price of $1,000 or less, qualify for the tax holiday this weekend.

For additional information, call the Covington County EMA office at 334-428-2670 or check out www.weather.gov/mob/Severe_Alabama.