Special to the Enquirer 

As Alabama approaches its peak season for severe weather, it’s crucial to be prepared. The Alabama Department of Revenue is offering a reprieve from state sales tax on specific severe weather preparedness goods.

From 12:01 a.m. Feb. 23, until midnight Feb. 25, consumers can buy these items tax-free, though local sales tax might still be in effect.

The Alabama Department of Revenue has compiled a list of all cities and counties participating in the 2024 Severe Weather Preparedness Tax Holiday. Hartselle and other municipalities in Morgan County are participating. The city and county listing is available at www.revenue.alabama.gov/sales-use/alabama-severe-weather-preparedness-sales-tax-holiday/ 

Examples of items covered under the Severe Weather Preparedness holiday include the following items that have a sales price of $60 or less per item: 

• Batteries: AAA batteries, AA batteries, C batteries, D batteries, six-volt batteries and nine-volt batteries. NOT COVERED: coin, automobile and boat batteries. 
• Cellular phone batteries. 
• Cellular phone chargers. 
• Portable self-powered or battery-powered radios, two-way radios, weather-band radios and NOAA weather radios. 
• Portable self-powered light sources, including battery-powered flashlights, lanterns and emergency glow sticks. 
• Tarpaulin, plastic sheeting, plastic dropcloths and other flexible, waterproof sheeting. 
• Ground anchor systems, such as bungee cords and rope, and tie-down kits. 
• Duct tape. 
• Plywood, window film or other materials specifically designed to protect window coverings. 
• Non-electric food storage coolers and water storage containers. 
• Non-electric can openers. 
• Artificial ice, blue ice, ice packs and reusable ice. 
• Self-contained first aid kits. 
• Fire extinguishers. 
• Smoke detectors. 
• Carbon monoxide detectors. 
• Gas or diesel fuel tanks or container. 

Portable generators and power cords that have a sales price of $1,000 or less are also eligible for the tax-free sale. 

For more information about Alabama’s annual Sales Tax Holiday for Severe Weather Preparedness, visit https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/sales-use/alabama-severe-weather-preparedness-sales-tax-holiday/