This weekend, February 20 – 22, take advantage of the Alabama Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday to build or refresh your emergency kit before disaster strikes.

Click this link to find out which items are eligible this weekend. To see if your county is participating, please visit the Alabama Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday – Alabama Department of Revenue. 

Being prepared doesn’t stop with the tax-free weekend. If you don’t have an emergency kit, consider adding the following items while you’re out shopping.

  • Two weeks minimum supply of medication
    • Include a list of allergies and a list of medical devices
  • Batteries
  • Flashlights
  • NOAA Weather Radio
  • CASH (small bills preferably)
  • Cell phone and charging bank
  • Hand Crank Radio
  • Books, games, or puzzles for children
  • Jackets, boots (hard-bottom shoes, no flip flops), umbrellas
  • Specialty items for small children, the elderly, or disabled family members
  • Helmet for each family member
  • Whistle
  • Food: Non-perishable, canned foods, beverages, snack goods, juices, baby food, or special dietary foods.
  • Water (1 gallon per person per day)
  • Non-electric can opener
  • paper plates, napkins, plastic cups, and utensils
  • First Aid
    • Bandages, Gauze pads, adhesive tape, scissors, tweezers, moistened towelettes, disinfectant wipes, thermometer, safety pins, soap, latex gloves, sunscreen, pain reliever, antacid, cotton balls.
  • Important Docs
    • Important Phone Numbers
    • Insurance cards, medical records, banking and credit card information, copies of social security cards, marriage and birth certificates. Keys (house, cars, office)
    • Pharmacy location, name of drugs, and dosages
    • Copy of Will and Deeds
  • Fill vehicle tanks filled with gasoline

 

“Severe weather can happen anytime, but preparation can make all the difference,” said Alabama Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director Jeff Smitherman. “This sales tax holiday is the perfect opportunity to gather the necessary supplies to better prepare your family for the upcoming severe weather season. Being prepared is the first step to building a more resilient Alabama.” Governor Ivey Encourages Alabamians to Prepare for Severe Weather Tax-Free