It's time to prepare for severe weather....whether it's hurricanes or tornadoes.   This weekend, the state of Alabama and many cities/counties are exempting the purchase of everything from duct tape to generators (within certain guidelines), to make sure we're prepared for whatever weather comes our way.

Items covered by the state sales tax holiday include:

• Several types of batteries, including cell phone batteries and chargers
• Battery-powered radios
• NOAA weather radios
• Flashlights, lanterns, and emergency glow sticks
• First aid kits
• Duct tape
• Plywood, window film or other materials, specifically designed to protect window openings
• Portable generators
• Gas or Diesel fuel containers
• Tarpaulins and plastic sheeting
• Any non-electric food storage cooler or water storage container
• Non-electric can openers
• Any artificial ice, blue ice, ice packs, or reusable ice
• Fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors
• Ground anchor systems such as cords or rope or tie-down kits

The covered items must cost $60 or less, except for generators, which are covered as long as they cost $1,000 or less.

To find out if your community is participating, CLICK HERE.