TAX-EXEMPT: FLORIDA PREPARES FOR HURRICANES

Before hurricane season officially begins, the state of Florida is giving its residents a break when it comes to stocking up on materials.

Now, Floridians can shop disaster preparation products tax-exempt from Friday, May 28 through Sunday, June 6, 2021.

TAX-EXEMPT ITEMS

• Two-way radios
• Weather radios
• Batteries
• Gas containers
• Coolers
• Bungee cords
• Tarps
• First-aid kits
• Portable generators $1,000 or less

EMERGENCY RADIOS

Midland's ER-210 Emergency Crank Radio was specifically designed for hurricane evacuations and shelter-in-place episodes. While the power is out, receiving the latest information is of the utmost importance.

Midland Meteorologist, Bruce Jones, said crank radios are key when executing your hurricane plan.

"Have a paper road map or road atlas in your car.  In an evacuation, cellphone GPS may not work, so you’ll need an old fashioned paper map, and an emergency crank radio for traffic updates."

PREPARING FOR THE STORM

"After a hurricane, plan to be 'on your own' for up to two weeks.  Have enough medicine, food, and water for ten days or more.  You may need it," Jones said.

If you have pets, remember not all shelters accept animals. Travel with a pet carrier just in case.

Governor Ron DeSantis signed the bill into law at a Home Depot Friday, May 21. Hurricane season officially begins June 1, 2021.