It’s smart to be ready for severe weather, and it’s smart to save money. You can do both in Alabama this weekend.

Beginning at 12:01 a.m., Friday, Feb. 26, and ending at midnight Sunday, Feb.28, the state is offering a sales tax holiday aimed at helping Alabamians prepare for severe weather. It’s the fifth year Alabamians can enjoy a tax break to prepare for severe weather.

In Alabama, severe weather can happen anytime of the year – it happened earlier this week. The Alabama Emergency Management Agency (EMA) recommends people keep on hand food, water and other supplies in sufficient quantity to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours.

This weekend, many items that should be part of your severe weather supplies, such as batteries, portable radios, duct tape, coolers, smoke and fire extinguishers, will be exempt from the standard four percent state sales tax. Check out the complete list of exempt items here.

This weekend, items such as batteries, portable radios, duct tape, coolers, smoke and fire extinguishers and batteries will be exempt from the standard four percent state sales tax. (contributed)

This weekend, items such as batteries, portable radios, duct tape, coolers, smoke and fire extinguishers and batteries will be exempt from the standard four percent state sales tax. (contributed)

This weekend, items such as batteries, portable radios, duct tape, coolers, smoke and fire extinguishers and batteries will be exempt from the standard four percent state sales tax. (contributed)

This weekend, items such as batteries, portable radios, duct tape, coolers, smoke and fire extinguishers and batteries will be exempt from the standard four percent state sales tax. (contributed)

“The goal … is to encourage consumers to stock up on emergency supplies before the storm hits,” said Nancy Dennis with the Alabama Retail Association.

“Consumers tend to wait to get the supplies needed, which can put them in harm’s way if they venture out in hazardous conditions,” Dennis added. “We want to encourage consumers to go ahead and build emergency kits for their homes, businesses and vehicles in advance. The sales tax holiday provides a good time to do that and save money.”

Dennis said the state’s retailers don’t expect to see as high of a spike in sales as they do during the annual back-to-school tax-free weekend, because the list of exempt items isn’t quite as extensive. The severe weather preparedness sales tax holiday covers emergency supplies valued at $60 or less and generators that cost $1,000 or less.

In addition to the state sales tax break, many counties and municipalities are also waiving sales taxes this weekend for the same items, which means even greater savings in those communities. Click here to see if your city or county is participating.

“By providing this tax free holiday, the state of Alabama is confirming its dedication to the safety of the state’s residents and visitors,” said state EMA Director Art Faulkner.

“All Alabamians should take this opportunity to restock their disaster supply kits and develop emergency plans for their families and businesses,” Faulkner said. “By taking the time to prepare today, we can work together to save lives and property in the event of a disaster.”

Learn more about how to prepare for severe weather at readyalabama.gov.