Yes, it’s the season! The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. NOAA forecasters are predicting near-normal activity this year, with 12-17 total named storms with winds of 39 mph. Bookmark the National Hurricane Center site for reliable, updated information.
Sales tax holidays for storm supplies
From May 27-June 9 and Aug. 26-Sept. 8, you can buy these disaster preparedness items without paying sales tax:
• Portable generator used to provide light or communications or preserve food if there’s a power outage with a sales price of $3,000 or less
• A tarp or flexible waterproof sheeting ($100 or less)
• Smoke detector or smoke alarm ($70 or less)
• Non-electric food storage cooler ($60 or less)
• Batteries excluding car and boat batteries ($50 or less)
• Common household items ($30 or less), inlcuding laundry detergent and supplies, toilet paper, paper towels, sunscreen and sunblock, disinfecting wipes and sprays, trash bags
• Supplies for the evacuation of pets, including:
• Dry dog or cat food ($100 or less per bag)
• Cans or pouches of wet pet food
The full list is here.
Stock your pantry, check your yard
Check your staples and make a list of what’s missing. Don’t forget your medical and hygiene supplies, too. Fill gallon jugs with water. Plan to prepare for at least seven days.
Walk around your yard. If there are any branches that could fall, contact an arborist for trimming.
Find out more useful tips at UF/IFAS.
