Two weeks ago, we put up a blog post that discussed National Hurricane Preparedness Week (starting on 5/27), a newly established week dedicated to helping people prepare for hurricanes that may spring up this summer. This type of public service event is important in areas that are prone to seeing severe weather like hurricanes, tornadoes and tropical storms. Starting on May 27^th, this week should provide many families with essential information.

Many states are starting their own hurricane preparations, including Virginia. This East coast state was hit hard by Hurricane Irene last year and in conjunction with this national preparedness event, Virginia will have a tax-free holiday for emergency supplies. According to The Virginia Gazette:

“During Virginia’s Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday, May 25-31, shoppers can purchase essential items without paying the 5% state and local sales tax. There are 22 categories of smaller items, including batteries, flashlights, bottled water, tarps, duct tape, cell-phone chargers, smoke detectors and first aid kits.”

As with any tax-free holiday, there are restrictions, the article says. Items priced under $60 will be tax-free as long as they are on the official list. This list includes a number of products, including first aid kits, batteries and flashlights. Bigger ticket items like portable generators and inverters will be exempt from taxes as well, provided they cost under $1,000.

Outside of this tax holiday, Virginia is no stranger to sales tax-free holidays:

“Virginia also has two additional sales tax holidays – one for school supplies and clothing in August, and one for Energy Star and WaterSense products in October. The 2012 General Assembly renewed this tax-free hurricane preparedness holiday through 2017 after successes of previous campaigns.”

Whether you live in Virginia or not, make sure you check your emergency supplies and stockpile to see if there are any items you may need in case of an emergency.