The state’s severe weather preparedness tax-free holiday started yesterday and will be going on until Sun., March 25 at midnight.

Kaylene Clark from Marvin’s said Friday the tax sale was pulling traffic Friday, but she expects that more people will shop today to take advantage of the tax break.

This is Alabama’s seventh severe weather preparedness sales tax holiday and it will allow shoppers to stock up on common supplies costing less than $60 that every home and business needs to prepare for a natural disaster or even a general emergency.

Alabama, Covington County, the city of Opp, and the town of Red Level are participating, which means sales taxes in those jurisdictions will be waived. Andalusia, Florala, Gantt, and River Falls are not participating this year.

The Alabama Retail Association encourages Alabamians to restock emergency supplies in homes, workplaces and vehicles during this three-day tax holiday.

From 12:01 a.m. Feb. 23 to midnight Feb. 25, the tax-exempt items include the following priced at $60 or less:

• Flashlights, lanterns
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• Batteries
• First-aid kits
• Cell phone charger
• Two-way radios
• Manual can openers
• Tarps and plastic sheeting
• Duct tape
• Fire extinguishers
• Tie-down kits, bungee cords or rope

“We are really pushing to sell all of these items,” Clark said. “Not only will it save you a lot of money in the long run but it will definitely keep you safe.”