The early-bird formation of Tropical Storm Arlene is a reminder that there’s no time like the present to prepare for hurricanes and other emergencies.
Arlene poses no threat to Texas, but it underscores the need to be prepared before a surprise.
As it turns out, this weekend is Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday in Texas.
You can emergency supplies like batteries, coolers, phone chargers and first aid kits.
There’s no sales tax charged on eligible purchases through Sunday night.
The items range from can openers to carbon monoxide detectors – and include portable generators, emergency ladders, axes, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, self-powered light sources and tarps.
This year’s holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. Saturday and ends just after 11:59 p.m. Sunday night.
WHAT’S ELIGIBLE
Here are the supplies that qualify for tax exemption:
· Portable generators less than $3,000
· Emergency ladders less than $300
· Hurricane shutters less than $300
· Axes
· Batteries, single or multipack (AAA, AA, C, D, 6-volt, 9-volt)
· Can openers (non-electric)
· Carbon monoxide detectors
· Coolers and ice chests for food storage (non-electric)
· Fire extinguishers
· First aid kits
· Fuel containers
· Ground anchor systems and tie-down kits
· Hatchets
· Ice-type products that are reusable and artificial
· Light sources that are portable and self-powered
· Mobile phone batteries and mobile telephone chargers
· Radios -- portable and self-powered, including two-way radios and weather band radios
· Smoke detectors
· Tarps and other plastic sheeting
WHAT’S NOT ELIGIBLE
The following supplies do not qualify for tax exemption:
· Batteries for automobiles, boats and other motorized vehicles
· Camping stoves
· Camping supplies
· Chainsaws
· Plywood
· Extension ladders
· Stepladders
· Tents
· Repair or replacement parts for emergency preparation supplies
· Services performed on, or related to, emergency preparation supplies