The 2017 Atlantic hurricane season is expected to bring powerful storms to land; Global Weather Oscillations predicts it will be “the most dangerous in 12 years.” State officials want Texans to start preparing for the storm season that officially starts June 1, as well as other severe weather. To encourage them to do so, a sales tax holiday for emergency preparation supplies will be offered this weekend, from 12:01 a.m. April 22 to midnight April 24. Supplies that can help Texans weather storms, fires, and floods include batteries, emergency ladders, hurricane shutters, and portable generators. Although there is no limit on the quantity one consumer can purchase, price restrictions do apply.

Tax exempt

Portable generators costing less than $3,000

Emergency ladders and hurricane shutters costing less than $300

The following supplies costing less than $75: Axes and hatchets Batteries (AAA cell, AA cell, C cell, D cell, 6 or 9 volt) Can openers (nonelectric) Carbon monoxide detectors Coolers and ice chests for food storage Fire extinguishers First-aid kits Fuel containers Ground anchor systems and tie-down kits Ice products Light sources Mobile telephone batteries and mobile telephone chargers Radios (portable self-powered, two-way, and weather-band radios) Smoke detectors Tarps and other plastic sheeting



Taxable

Not all items that could be used to weather storms qualify for the tax-free period. The following products are not tax exempt: Batteries for cars, boats, and other motorized vehicles

Camping stoves and supplies

Chainsaws

Extension ladders

Plywood

Stepladders

Tents

Repair or replacement parts for emergency preparation supplies

Services performed on, or related to, emergency preparation supplies

Delivery charges