The American Red Cross recommends all residents or businesses have an emergency kit that includes a flashlight; a battery­-powered or hand­-crank radio, such as a NOAA Weather Radio; extra batteries; a first-aid kit; cell phone charger; two-way radios; a manual can opener; plastic sheeting; duct tape; and tools and supplies for securing your home, such as tie-down kits, bungee cords or rope. The Federal Emergency Management agency recommended list includes those items, plus a fire extinguisher, among other items. 

All of the mentioned emergency supplies and more will be sales tax free in Alabama from 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 6, to midnight, Sunday, July 8. For a full list of the covered items, go to: http://www.revenue.alabama.gov/salestax/WPHolidayQuickRefSheet12.pdf

“The main objective is safety,” said ARA President Rick Brown, who joined Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley at a news conference today to promote the sales tax holiday. “By stocking up on supplies, families can be better prepared for future emergencies.”

The state’s four-percent sales tax will be waived on the covered items, which include:

• Many common emergency supplies that cost $60 or less.
• Portable generators valued at $1,000 or less.
  

More than 200 city and county governments have also agreed to waive their sales taxes on the covered items, bringing the total savings for consumers to as much as 10 percent, depending on where they shop.

The governor and Brown appeared at a news conference today at The Home Depot in Daphne in advance of the state sales tax holiday on severe weather preparedness items. They were joined by the store manager, Michael Herrmann, and district manager, Leon McLaughlin.

 “Like everyone, we’re hoping for a calm season; but our main focus here at The Home Depot is to help our customers become fully prepared for any kind of severe weather and to assist with any recovery should storms hit," Herrmann said. 

At least some of the tax-free items can be found at home improvement, hardware, department, grocery, convenience and many other stores throughout Alabama.