Sales tax holiday on emergency preparation supplies

AMARILLO, TX (KFDA) - Texas is no rookie when confronting severe weather -- and even right here in the Texas Panhandle we've faced extreme elements in all forms.

It's smart to be ready for severe weather, and it's smart to save money -- and in less than two weeks, there's a weekend where Texans can do both.

"There's a new sales tax holiday it's called the Emergency Preparation Supplies sales tax holiday," said spokesperson for the Texas Comptroller of Public Account, Chris Bryan. "It is really geared toward emergency supplies and this time of year, we're starting to see some extreme weather coming into the Texas area."

Several fires, tornadoes, and flooding last year are what reminded Texas lawmakers about the importance of being prepared for severe weather and disasters -- thus The EPS sales tax holiday was approved during the 2015 Texas Legislature.

"We all know it doesn't get any better as we head through the spring and into the summer," said Bryan. "So, it's important to be prepared and this sales tax holiday give folks the opportunity to stock up on some of those emergency supplies and save some money in the process."

The free sales tax starts on April 23rd and runs through the 25th. There is no limit on the number of qualifying items you can purchase -- among some of the emergency supplies are batteries, flashlights, radios and first aid kits.

And even some expensive items are included, like emergency ladders and portable generators. But camping supplies, batteries for motorized vehicles, and chainsaws do not apply.

Amarillo's Office of Emergency Management is glad this opportunity is available to the Texas Panhandle.

"This tax free holiday is a great opportunity just to kind of focus in on an opportunity to go get a few supplies, to maybe complete your family disaster supply kit but it also serves as a good reminder that severe weather season is upon us," said City of Amarillo Emergency Management Coordinator Kevin Starbuck.

The National Weather Service and the City is hosting a free public event at the Civic Center this Saturday where the public can earn more about the dynamics of severe weather events and what storm spotters look for in a storm. The event starts at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.