May 5, 2006 - Emergency Management Officials Urging Residents to Be Prepared for Hurricane Season

St. Lucie County Emergency Management officials are urging residents to take advantage of Governor Jeb Bush's recent announcement of tax-free shopping days for hurricane preparedness items. The tax holiday begins on Saturday, May 21 and ends on the first day of the 2006 Hurricane Season, June 1. According to the April 27th news release from the State of Florida, the 12-day holiday will save Floridians an estimated $41 million. Under the legislation, no state or local sales tax will be collected on hurricane preparedness items including:

Flashlights and portable, self-powered light sources, $20 or less

Portable radios, two-way radios and weather-band radios, $50 or less

Flexible waterproof sheeting (tarps), $50 or less

Gas or diesel fuel containers, $25 or less

Batteries, $30 or less

Non-electrical food storage coolers, $30 or less

Portable generators, $1,000 or less

Carbon monoxide detectors, $75 or less

Storm shutter devices, $200 or less

This year, the State's Hurricane Preparedness Week is May 21-27, 2006. County officials are encouraging residents, if they have not done so already, to prepare their hurricane supply kits now. Items that should be part of a family's supply kit include water, non-perishable food items, blankets and pillows, clothing (seasonal/rain gear/sturdy shoes), first aid kit (including medicines and prescription drugs), toiletries, important documents (in a waterproof container), tools, pet care items and any other special items that may make life a little more comfortable after a storm.

For more information on hurricane preparedness in St. Lucie County, visit www.stlucieco.gov/eoc or for information from the State, visit www.floridadisaster.org.