May 27, 2011
By: Bruce Berry
Along with ensuring adequate home insurance coverage, Virginia residents are buying emergency supplies in preparation for the Atlantic hurricane season. An annual week-long sales tax holiday will give them a financial break when they do so.
Between May 25 and May 31, Virginians who purchase extra batteries, bottled water and other supplies in an effort to stock up before potential hurricanes this year will be spared from paying state and local taxes, according to the Virginia Department of Taxation. Ice packs, flashlights and lanterns, portable and two-way radios and plastic or waterproof sheeting are just some of the items that can be exempt from sales tax during the seven-day holiday.
Additionally, generators and inverters priced for less than $1,000 can also be exempt from taxes, said the department.
Average home insurance premiums could be affected if this year's hurricane season proves just as busy as recent tornado outbreaks. The Associated Press reports data from the federal government predicts between three to six major hurricanes could hit the coastal U.S. in what's projected to be an active Atlantic storm season.
For more about the 2011 hurricane season you can visit: NOAA's Office of Climate, Weather and Weather Services.
Related Home Insurance Articles:
- NOAA predicts near-normal Eastern Pacific hurricane season May 25, 2012
- Safety officials call attention to home sprinkler system regulations May 24, 2012
- Thousands of St. Louis insurance claims cite recent hail damage May 22, 2012
- Tropical Storm Alberto changes course away from Carolinas May 21, 2012
- California tops the nation in dog bite claims May 17, 2012
