Area residents are encouraged to stock up on emergency preparedness items during the first annual statewide weather preparedness sales tax holiday this weekend.
The first 2012 Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 6, and ends at midnight Sunday, July 8.
“We hope people will use this as an opportunity to prepare for events that could cause a long-term power outage,” said Ellen Haynes, director of the St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency. “Power outage is usually the problem as a result from wind or tornado damage or snow and ice. This tax exempt holiday will afford you the opportunity to stock up on batteries, car chargers for your cell phones, small generators, battery-powered radios, flashlights and even those glow stick necklaces for the kids.”
State sales tax and county (non-education) sales tax on listed items valued at $60 or less that may be used during severe weather and natural disaster situations are exempted. Generators valued at $1,000 or less are also tax exempt.
Pell City, Talladega, Sylacauga, Childersburg and Oak Grove are also participating in the weather preparedness sales tax holiday weekend. Riverside and Lincoln are not.
Covered items valued at $60 or less include: AAA-cell batteries, AA-cell batteries, C-cell batteries, D-cell batteries, 6-volt batteries, 9-volt batteries, cellular phone battery, cellular phone charger, portable self-powered radio, battery-powered radio, two-way radio, weatherband radio, NOAA weather radio, portable self-powered light source (battery-powered flashlights, lanterns or emergency glow sticks), tarpaulin, plastic sheeting, plastic drop cloths, other flexible, waterproof sheeting, ground anchor system (such as bungee cords or rope, or tie-down kit), duct tape, plywood, window film or other materials specifically designed to protect window coverings, non-electric food storage cooler, non-electric 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 and gas or diesel fuel tank or container.
A single purchase with a sales price of $1,000 or less: any portable generator and power cords — used to provide light or communications or preserve food in the event of a power outage. Generators with running wattage of 3500 or more can keep refrigerators, lights and more running in a home. Check for details on usage, and use caution with placement to avoid a buildup of carbon monoxide inside the home.
Coin batteries and automobile and boat batteries are taxable.
“And if for some reason you don’t have an emergency alert weather radio, now is a great time to purchase one,” Haynes said. “And every single home should have a manual can opener, battery-powered can opener and a battery-operated smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector. Please review the list of approved items and boost your ability to handle the hours and possible days following a disaster. Here at the EMA, we always tell folks to be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for up to 72 hours. ’72 and YOU!’ is our motto.”
For more information, visit www.stclairco.com.
Contact Elsie Hodnett at ehodnett@dailyhome.com.
