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John Prekosovich, left, and Joel Canales loads a portable generator into a customer\u2019s vehicle at a Home Depot store in Houston. This weekend, portable generators are tax-free as part of the state\u2019s Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday.<\/p>\n
Brett Coomer\/Staff photographer<\/p>\n
Texans can skip sales taxes on hurricane preparation supplies this weekend only, with just six weeks left until the Gulf Coast kicks the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season<\/a> on June 1.<\/p>\n The state\u2019s Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday<\/a>, which runs Saturday and Sunday, allows shoppers to stock up on key emergency items without paying state or local sales tax<\/a>.<\/p>\n This upcoming hurricane season, a highly regarded forecast from researchers at Colorado State University has projected a slightly below-average season with 13 named storms, including six hurricanes and two major hurricanes. The estimate\u00a0was influenced\u00a0largely by a developing El Ni\u00f1o, a climate pattern that can suppress storm formation in the Atlantic Ocean.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n GLOBAL CLIMATE PATTERN: Super El Ni\u00f1o risk rises for 2026, new forecast shows. Here\u2019s what it means for Texas.<\/a><\/p>\n Still, a quieter season on paper doesn\u2019t eliminate the tropical cyclone\u00a0threat to Southeast Texas.<\/p>\n It\u2019s best to acquire supplies now, when they\u2019re in stock, and not when a storm is coming.\u00a0Past storms in the Houston area have shown how emergency essentials such as batteries, flashlights and electric generators can quickly disappear from store shelves when a tropical cyclone enters the Gulf of Mexico.<\/p>\n Even in less active years, a single storm can bring flooding, power outages and widespread disruption.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Which hurricane supplies are tax-free this weekend?<\/p>\n During the two-day window, Texans can purchase a range of emergency supplies<\/a> tax-free, as long as they fall within state price limits.<\/p>\n The most common qualifying items include:<\/p>\n Portable generators priced under $3,000. Other eligible items include radios, first-aid kits, fire extinguishers and coolers\u00a0\u2014 staples of most home emergency kits. Also these items, each for $75\u00a0or less, can qualify: axes, non-electric can openers, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and tarps and other plastic sheeting.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n There\u2019s no limit on how many qualifying items you can buy, and the exemption is applied automatically at checkout.<\/p>\n ACT NOW: New to Houston\u2019s hurricane season? Check out the Chronicle\u2019s handy hurricane guide to make preparation easy.<\/a><\/p>\n For many Houston residents, the biggest value comes from stocking up on smaller essentials, especially batteries and backup lighting\u00a0\u2014 items that are often overlooked until the power goes out.<\/p>\n Which purchases don\u2019t qualify for the tax break?<\/p>\n
\nHurricane shutters and emergency ladders under $300.
\nBatteries, flashlights and fuel containers under $75.<\/p>\n