BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) — Hurricane season starts Sunday…so Saturday starts the annual tax free week for buying hurricane supplies. While we don’t think you’ll get away with a new flatscreen — it’s probably a good time to stock up on batteries, blankets and other items to help you get through a storm. (Please call us immediately if you are able to purchase a car tax-free, claiming that the car will help you get out of town).
From the state’s emergency preparedness center:
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 starting tomorrow, May 31 and running through June 8.
“The sales tax holiday for hurricane preparedness supplies will make preparing for this year’s hurricane season easier for all Floridians,” said FDEM Director Bryan W. Koon. “By keeping money in Floridian’s pockets while encouraging them to prepare, we ensure Florida is ready for all hazards and continues to be the best state in the nation to work, live and play.”
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:
- Water – at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days
- Food – at least enough for 3 to 7 days
- Blankets / Pillows, etc.
- Clothing
- First Aid Kit / Medicines
- Special Items – for children and the elderly
- 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 will run from May 31 through June 8. The specific items included in the Sales Tax Holiday include:
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A portable self-powered light source selling for $20 or less
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A portable self-powered radio, two-way radio, or weather band radio selling for $50 or less
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A tarpaulin or other flexible waterproof sheeting selling for $50 or less
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A self-contained first-aid kit selling for $30 or less
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A ground anchor system or tie-down kit selling for $50 or less
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A gas or diesel fuel tank selling for $25 or less
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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
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A nonelectric food storage cooler selling for $30 or less
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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
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Reusable ice selling for $10 or less
