Alabama’s 18th annual Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday starts today and lasts until Sunday, Feb. 26 at midnight. The event gives shoppers the opportunity to purchase severe weather preparedness items free of states sales tax.

In general, covered items costing $60 per less per item are included. That cost cap expands to $1,000 for portable generators and power cords.

While the covered items could be useful during periods of severe weather, most could be handy to have around throughout the year. Here are a couple of those:

• Batteries – Basic household types such as AAA, C-cell and 6 and 9 volt.
• Cell phone batteries and cell phone chargers
• Anchor systems, such as bungee cords or rope or tie-down kits
• Duct tape
• Non-electric food storage cooler or water storage containers.
• Manual can openers
• Ice packs
• First-aid kits
• Fire extinguishers and smoke detectors
• Carbon monoxide detectors

Two things to keep in mind that aren’t covered. Coin batteries and automobile and boat batteries aren’t included in the tax-free weekend.

Not all municipalities participate in the tax-free weekend. Here is a list of who is taking part, and who is not.

Here’s a complete list of what’s covered.