Hurricane and Flood Preparedness Supplies Offered Tax- Free in Virginia, May 25-31
During Virginia’s Hurricane and Flood Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday, Friday, May 25 through Thursday, May 31, citizens may stock up on supplies for protecting homes/businesses during hurricane and flooding season as well as purchase items, tax-free, for personal or family emergency supply kits.
Many everyday preparedness items ($60 or less) are tax-exempt during this one-week time frame, including the following emergency supplies:
• Artificial ice, blue ice, ice packs, reusable ice
• Batteries (excluding car or boat batteries)
• Portable self-powered light sources, including flashlights and lanterns and glow sticks
• First aid kits
• Cell phone chargers
• Weather Band radios and NOAA Weather Radios
• Portable self-powered radios, including radios with electrical power capability
• Bottled water of any size, including flavored, carbonated and vitamin water
• Two-way radios
• Manual can openers
• Tarps, plastic sheeting, plastic drop cloths
• Bungee cords and rope
• Ground anchor systems or tie down kits
• Ratchet straps
• Duct tape
• Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, fire extinguishers
• Empty gas, propane or diesel fuel tanks or containers
• Water storage containers such as buckets, barrels, canteens, coolers
Larger emergency items (that have a sales price of $1,000 or less) are also available tax-free:
• Portable generators and generator power cords
• Inverters and inverter power cables.
Many retail outlets will have information regarding this tax holiday, or citizens may visit www.tax.virginia.gov. for additional details. Please scroll down to view additional all-hazards preparedness resources or visit www.ReadyVirginia.gov.
(Source: Virginia Department of Emergency Management)
Citizens Encouraged to Practice Tornado Preparedness Measures
Campbell County Department of Public Safety has compiled the following resources to inform citizens on safety measures should a tornado warning occur in our area. Citizens are encouraged to practice these steps at home and at work. Residents are also reminded to take note of the safest place to shelter when traveling or visiting: shopping areas/malls, medical facilities, public/government buildings, places of worship, and recreational sites (ball fields, stadiums, theaters, theme parks, etc.).
The following resources convey precautionary measures for severe weather/tornado occurrences:
Tornado Preparedness Educational Slides
Tornado Preparedness Press Release
All-Hazards Emergency Preparedness Information
As Campbell County takes an all-hazards approach to preparedness, citizens are encouraged to take precautions for not only severe weather, but likewise for any emergencies that may arise. Strong winds, heavy precipitation, flash flooding, possible power outages and other incidents may occur at any time throughout the year.
Below are documents released by Campbell County Public Safety with safety suggestions for preparing for natural incidents and other emergencies, what to do during emergencies, and other related information.
Keeping Healthy During Flu Season
Fire Safety for All Seasons
Severe Weather Preparedness and Safety
Flood Preparedness and Safety
Earthquake Preparedness and Safety
Citizens Encouraged to Take Preparedness Measures for Natural Incidents and Other Emergencies
2010 Campbell County Emergency Operations Plan
Previous press releases:
Press Release (08/25/11) - Citizens Reminded of Basic Earthquake Preparedness and Safety Tips
Press Release (08/23/11) - Citizens Reminded to Prepare for Potential Weather-Related Emergencies
Additional Emergency Preparedness Resources
For additional information on emergency preparedness measures or to obtain safety resources, please visit the following websites:
Virginia Department of Emergency Management
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Ready America
National Weather Service - Blacksburg