Mary Tutwiler

Hurricane preparedness sales tax holiday this weekend

by Mary Tutwiler

Baby back ribs and charcoal aren’t the only items Louisianians will be purchasing this Memorial Day Weekend. The state has declared May 24 and 25 a sales tax holiday for hurricane preparedness. Hurricane season officially opens June 1. So it’s a great time to stock up on stuff you’re bound to need, sooner or later. Here’s the state’s list of eligible items:

• Self-powered light sources, such as flashlights and candles;
• Portable self-powered radios, two-way radios, and weather-band radios;
• Tarpaulins or other flexible waterproof sheeting;
• Ground anchor systems or tie-down kits;
• Gas or diesel fuel tanks;
• Batteries – AAA, AA, C, D, 6-volt, or 9-volt (automobile batteries and boat batteries are not eligible);
• Cellular phone batteries and chargers;
• Non-electric food storage coolers;
• Portable generators;
• Storm shutter devices – Materials and products manufactured, rated, and marketed specifically for the purposes of preventing window damage from storms (La. R.S. 47:305.58).
• Carbon monoxide detectors.
• Blue ice products.

However, don’t go shopping at the airport or a convenience store, they are two of the ineligible venues. Water, even from our own Abita Springs, doesn’t seem to be on the list. Neither does our local Abita Springs beer. You’ll have to spring for that hurricane essential on your own.