Houston is no stranger to natural disasters, ranging from floods to tornadoes to hurricanes. Any Houstonian knows preparations for severe storm season, and especially hurricane season, is vital. As hurricane season approaches June 1st, Texas is once again giving people the chance to stock up on their emergency supplies sales tax free.
The states usual emergency supplies sales tax holiday is happening this weekend, running from April 25th through April 27th. That means this is the optimal time to go over your emergency plan, figure out what you need, and get it a bit cheaper than if you wait until the last minute.
Precinct Four Constable’s Office Captain Jose Garza says this is the time to save some money and get ready for the upcoming storm season.
“Generators, batteries for flashlights, food preparations that can last three to four days per person in their families,” he says.
Getting all of that without sales tax is a great way to save money and stay ahead of what could be an active season. You never truly know in the Gulf of America.
It is not just for citizen’s and regular folks, though. It is also for businesses. Especially businesses that provide vital resources.
“Gas stations are a primary focus…they need generators to keep that flow of fuel to law enforcement, fire and EMS,” says Captain Garza.
But with a weekend like this bringing out the shoppers, it is always likely to bring out opportunist criminals who want to steal items. Either from the store or from people leaving the store with their emergency supplies.
However, Captain Garza says you can put your mind at ease, as they will be keeping a watchful eye.
“In our precinct, we will have increase patrol presence in those areas, so we ensure people buying their supplies do not have to worry about the criminal element,” he says. “We are going to be in there so we can be highly visible…and we are prepared to respond to keep overall security of everyone during this time.”
The sales tax break only applies to emergency supplies, not other items
Once again, the sales tax holiday runs Saturday through Monday.