If you’ve not already stocked up on hurricane supplies, now is the time to do so.
Louisiana’s annual Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday is Saturday and Sunday, and state leaders are urging you to get your supplies before it’s too late.
Governor Edwards delivered a message in a recently released GOHSEP PSA.
"This hurricane season, develop a game plan and know what to do before a storm threatens Louisiana," said Edwards.
While hurricane season is still six days away, the calendar can’t stop storms from forming in the Atlantic Basin, and subtropical storm Alberto proves this.
That is why the state is urging residents to be ready for a worst-case scenario.
"Know your evacuation routes in case you are forced from your home, stay aware of your forecast, and have supplies for at least three days in your emergency kit," explained Edwards in the PSA.
The state is making it easier for residents to stock up on supplies by reducing the state sales tax to three percent on certain items.
Among those items are flashlights, batteries, and radios.
"What they’re preparing for you is wind, rain, and being without power," explained Stine Home & Yard Broussard Store Manager, Tim Poe.
Generators are expected to be a hot item this weekend. Sellers warn that generators could pose a carbon monoxide threat if not used properly.
"A lot of people use those, of course, hooked up to a generator. Of course, make sure we’re running the generators outside of the home not inside of the home," explained Poe.
Stine, like other stores in Acadiana, is expecting an influx of customers who want to take advantage of the tax break.
New Iberia resident Shasta Hardin is one of those customers.
She’s getting a jump on both hurricane season and an upcoming holiday.
"I realized it was the no tax weekend so the best time to come out and get the father’s day gifts," explained Hardin.
Emergency preparedness officials urge you to stock up on three days worth of supplies including food, baby, supplies and pet supplies. They also say to make sure you have flashlights, batteries and a radio and if you must evacuate know what evacuation routes you’ll need to take.
