FIRST SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS OF THE SEASON

You know Spring is here when the big thunder boomers come to call.  Our first bout will be Thursday night.  A few tornadoes might be in the mix but the severe stuff is mostly hail and damaging winds.  You might want to get those flash lights, oil lamps and windup alarm clocks out in case the power goes out.  Last week's weather might have weakened some of those tree limbs near the power lines.

This storm is a good reminder for this weekend's severe weather tax holiday weekend.

The third-annual Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday will be held from noon Friday, Feb. 21, through midnight Sunday, Feb. 23. The holiday is designed to help residents stock up on a variety of supplies for protecting their homes or businesses during Alabama’s tornado and hurricane seasons. During the three day weekend, state, county and local sales and use taxes will be exempt on storm-related items.

Both the Limestone County Commission and the state of Alabama had already approved the tax holiday.

The following list contains examples of items covered under the Severe Weather Preparedness Holiday:

$60 or less
• Batteries:  AAA, AA, C, D, 6-volt and 9-volt batteries.  (Coin batteries, automobile batteries, and boat batteries are not exempt.)

• Cellular telephone batteries;

• Cellular phone chargers;

• Portable self-powered or battery-powered radios, two-way radios, weather-band radios or NOAA weather radios;

• Portable self-powered light sources, including battery-powered flashlights, lanterns or emergency glow sticks;

• Tarpaulins, plastic sheeting, plastic drop cloths and other flexible, waterproof sheeting;

• Ground anchor systems, such as bungee cords or rope, or tie-down kits;

• Duct tape;

• Plywood, window film or other materials specifically designed to protect window coverings;

• Non-electric food-storage coolers or 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 containers.

$1,000 or less • Portable generators and power cords