Hurricane supply sales tax holiday continues now through June 8

There’s not much of a difference in sales during Hurricane supply tax free week at Hall’s Hardware said Wade Allen, owner and manager at the local hardware store. He said the only time they see major hurricane sales is when a storm is spinning in the gulf. “New comers to the area will buy hurricane supplies during tax free week to get a start on their storm supplies,” said Allen. He said most locals don’t go out and purchase their kit supplies ahead of time. They wait until it’s needed.

National Hurricane Preparedness Week runs from May 25 to May 31, 2014, and emergency officials urge all Floridians to review, restock, and replace items in their disaster supply kit for the start of the 2014 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Governor Scott signed a bill that creates a sales tax holiday for hurricane preparedness supply items continuing through June 8.

Building a disaster supply kit is a simple and effective way to make sure a family has enough water, food, medicine and other essential supplies when other resources may not be readily available. Different families have different needs, so residents need to be sure to take into account their family’s specific needs, and include:

•           Enough water for at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days

•           Enough food for 3 to 7 days

•           Blankets / Pillows, etc.

•           Clothing

•           First Aid Kit / Medicines

•           Medications both over the counter and prescriptions

•           Toiletries

•           Flashlight / Batteries

•           Radio – Battery operated and NOAA weather radio

•           Keys

•           Toys, Books, and Games

•           Important documents

•           Tools

•           Full vehicle fuel tanks

•           Pet care items

The 2014 Sales Tax Holiday for Hurricane Supplies continues through June 8. The specific items included in the Sales Tax Holiday include:

•           A portable self-powered light source selling for $20 or less

•           A portable self-powered radio, two-way radio, or weather band radio selling for $50 or less

•           A tarpaulin or other flexible waterproof sheeting selling for $50 or less

•           A self-contained first-aid kit selling for $30 or less

•           A ground anchor system or tie-down kit selling for $50 or less

•           A gas or diesel fuel tank selling for $25 or less

•           A package of AA-cell, C-cell, D-cell, 6-volt, or 9-volt batteries, excluding automobile and boat batteries, selling for $30 or less

•           A nonelectric food storage cooler selling for $30 or less

•           A portable generator that is used to provide light or communications or preserve food in the event of a power outage selling for $750 or less

•           Reusable ice selling for $10 or less

The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 – November 30. 

This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Hurricane supply sales tax holiday continues now through June 8