Hurricane preps get sales tax break this weekend

This weekend, Louisiana residents looking to begin preparing for the 2014 hurricane season can store up emergency supplies with a little gift from the state.
Flashlights, batteries, portable generators and other supplies are free from the 4 percent state sales tax this Saturday and Sunday. Local taxes would still apply, unless specifically exempted by the local taxing authority.
The state sales tax holiday exempts each eligible item and applies to the first $1,500 of the purchase price of each item.
Other eligible items include: portable self-powered radios, two-way radios, weather-band radios, tarpaulins or other flexible waterproof sheeting, gas or diesel fuel tanks, batteries, carbon monoxide detectors, storm shutter devices and “Blue Ice” or similar re-usable cooling products.
The official hurricane season forecast is expected to be issued in Miami, Fla. on Thursday.