Those who still haven’t made their severe weather preparedness kit can get a tax break this weekend on the items needed to fill it.

The state of Alabama is holding its sixth annual Severe Weather Preparedness sales tax holiday beginning tomorrow at 12:01 a.m., and ending at midnight on Feb. 26.

“During this tax exempt period, consumers, like you, will be able to buy all sorts of severe weather preparedness items free from Alabama sales tax and local sales tax,” Covington County EMA Director Susan Harris said. “The Covington County Emergency Management Agency wants you to be prepared. The tax relief will enable you to purchase all kinds of items that you might need during or after a severe weather event.”

Harris said it’s important to not wait until the event happens.

“Be prepared ahead of time,” she said.

Harris provided a list of tax-free items that families may need:

• Batteries: AAA-cell batteries; AA-cell batteries, C-cell batteries, D-cell batteries, 6-volt batteries, 9-volt batteries;
• Cellular phone battery/cellular phone charger;
• Portable self-powered or battery-powered radio, two-way radio, weather-band radio or NOAA weather radio;
• Portable self-powered light source, including battery-powered flashlights, lanterns or emergency glow sticks.
• Tarpaulin, plastic sheeting, plastic drop cloths, and other flexible, waterproof sheeting.
• Ground anchor system, such as bungee cords or rope or tie-down kits;
• Duct tape;
• Plywood, window film or other materials specifically designed to protect window coverings;
• Non-electric food storage cooler or water storage container;
• Non-electric can opener;
• Artificial ice, blue ice, ice packs, reusable ice;
• Self-contained first aid kit, fire extinguisher, smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector;
• Gas or diesel fuel tank or container items that have a sales item of $1,000 or less;
• Portable generators or power cords.

Anyone with questions about the sales tax holiday is asked to call the Covington County EMA office at 428-2670.