Hurricane sales tax holiday May 25-31

RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY) - Gov. Bob McDonnell encourages Virginians to stock up on emergency supplies during a tax-free holiday scheduled from May 25 to May 31.

During the tax-free holiday, residents can buy essential items for emergencies without paying the 5 percent state and local sales tax.

Smaller qualifying items must cost less that $60 to be eligible for the tax relief. These items include batteries, flashlights, bottled water, tarps, duct tape, cell-phone chargers, smoke detectors and first aid kits.

Portable generators and inverters priced at $1,000 or less are also tax-free.

“The safety of our families is critically important for all Virginians,” said Gov. Bob McDonnell. “It is essential that citizens, as well as government and emergency response agencies, make appropriate preparations to deal with anything Mother Nature sends our way. The best way to protect yourself and your family is by assembling an emergency supply kit and developing emergency plans for your loved ones. With the 2012 hurricane season just around the corner, I encourage residents to take a few minutes to evaluate what items they still may need to prepare for hurricanes and other emergencies. This tax-free holiday will make it easier and more economical to assemble an emergency kit now which may make Virginian’s lives easier in the event of a major storm or emergency.”

View a complete list of eligible products here.

Hurricane season officially begins June 1, but this season started early when Tropical Storm Alberto formed off South Carolina's coast in mid-May.

Stay with WAVY.com and Super Doppler 10 Online for the latest forecast.