Texas residents have a valuable opportunity this weekend to bolster their emergency preparedness without the burden of state sales tax. The annual Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday commences on Saturday, April 25th, and extends through midnight on Monday, April 27th.

Preparing for Natural Disasters

This initiative is specifically designed to assist Texans in proactively preparing for the various natural disasters that can impact the state. These include hurricanes along the Gulf Coast, flash floods in central and eastern regions, and wildfires across the state.

Qualifying Items

The scope of qualifying items is broad, encompassing essential supplies needed to weather a crisis. There are no limitations on the quantity of eligible items a shopper can purchase, and retailers do not require exemption certificates.

  • Portable generators (under $3,000)
  • Emergency ladders & hurricane shutters (under $300)
  • Axes and hatchets (under $75)
  • Batteries (under $75)
  • Non-electric can openers (under $75)
  • Carbon monoxide detectors (under $75)
  • Coolers (under $75)
  • Fire extinguishers (under $75)
  • First aid kits (under $75)
  • Fuel containers (under $75)
  • Tie-down kits (under $75)
  • Reusable ice products (under $75)
  • Flashlights and lanterns (under $75)
  • Mobile phone chargers (under $75)
  • Portable radios (under $75)
  • Smoke detectors (under $75)
  • Tarps/plastic sheeting (under $75)

    • Excluded Items

    Not all emergency-related purchases are eligible for the tax exemption. Excluded items include medical masks, cleaning supplies, gloves, toilet paper, vehicle batteries, recreational camping equipment, chainsaws, construction materials, and tents.

    Other Events in San Antonio

    Beyond the sales tax holiday, San Antonio is also facing other significant events. Local nurse Sarah Danh is on life support after being medically evacuated from Japan due to liver failure.

    A three-year-old child was brutally attacked at Espada Park on April 20th, resulting in the arrest of 24-year-old Atharva Vyas. Investigations are ongoing into natural gas explosions on the Northeast Side, with two additional victims identified. A major traffic incident on US 281 South has closed southbound lanes at Stone Oak Parkway.