Published: May 17, 2006 11:38 am      

Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday, May 21-June 1

Hurricane season is almost here. Are you prepared? Do you have the essential items that you need to stay safe during this year's hurricane season?

Take advantage of the Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday from May 21 to June 1, which coincides with National Hurricane Preparedness Week. This tax free holiday on hurricane related items was signed into law by Governor Jeb Bush on April 27.

It gives Floridians an opportunity to stock up on items such as hurricane window shutters, batteries, generators, and other supplies without the added expense. "This legislation is an incentive for Floridians to stock up on supplies, as well as a reminder to prepare for the safety of their families," Senator Carey Baker said.

The following are examples of items that consumers will be able to purchase during National Hurricane Preparedness Week:

1. $20 or less - flashlights and portable, self-powered light sources.

2. $25 or less - gas or diesel fuel containers.

3. $30 or less - batteries and non-electrical food storage coolers.

4. $50 or less - portable radios, two-way radios, weather-band radios, and flexible waterproof sheeting (tarps).

5. $60 or less - cell phone batteries.

6. $75 or less - carbon monoxide detectors.

7. $200 or less - storm shutter devices.

8. $1,000 or less - portable generators.

Donnie Land, Lafayette County Emergency Management Director, urges local residents to take advantage of this tax break opportunity and not wait until it is too late to purchase the items you need.

According to Land, preparation is key to surviving the storm. Having essential items such as batteries, flashlights, portable generators, and storm shutters will help keep everyone safe and to survive this year's above normal active hurricane season. "It is very important to use this opportunity to stock up on needed supplies. Let Katrina be a lesson for us. We must be able to survive for a minimum of 72 hours or more before we can expect to receive help from the outside," Land said.

Land reminds everyone this year's hurricane season will be a very active one. According to Land, our area was very fortunate the last couple of years to not be affected by any hurricanes. "The experts have warned us that this will probably be another busy year. Sooner or later our luck is going to run out," Land said.

The Atlantic Hurricane Season officially begins June 1 and ends Nov. 30.