CULLMAN, Ala. – While Cullman is finally warming up from the ice storm that landed the county in a state of emergency, Cullman Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director Tim Sartin said spring in Alabama can be just as unpredictable, and advises residents to make good use of the upcoming Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday.
Alabama’s 13th Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, and ends at midnight, Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024, allowing Alabamians to stock up tax-free on common supplies costing less than $60 that every home and business needs to prepare for a natural disaster or emergency. Generators costing $1,000 or less also can be purchased free of the state’s 4% sales tax during the three-day tax holiday.
Sartin recommends stocking up on supplies like batteries, flashlights and first aid kits, along with supplies like tarps or coolers. Items like smoke and carbon monoxide detectors or fire extinguishers are also a good idea, especially if yours need replacing.
“As we have seen over the past few weeks, our weather here in Cullman County can change anytime. The upcoming severe weather tax-free weekend would be a great time to stock up on supplies,” said Sartin, noting that seizing the opportunity to stock up would be beneficial being that natural disasters and severe weather don’t necessarily wait for a sale or tax-free weekend.
Sartin said the upcoming tax-free weekend is about more than just getting a good deal on big ticket items like generators and other crucial supplies needed to wait out severe weather – it is a proactive step to safeguarding your family when severe weather strikes.
“It is not about the discount; however, it helps. It’s about being ready and making a significant difference when facing bad weather,” said Sartin. “Preparedness is priceless, and these weekends provide a great opportunity to do just that.”
All municipalities across Cullman County that levy sales tax are also participating in the Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday. For more information, visit http://tinyurl.com/severeweathertaxfree and www.revenue.alabama.gov/sales-use/alabama-severe-weather-preparedness-sales-tax-holiday.
