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  • In this 2011 file photo, Governor Robert Bentley, center right, visits Cullman the day after the destructive April tornadoes. Standing with Bentley, from left, are Cullman Mayor Max Townson, Representative Jeremy Oden and Congressman Robert Aderholt. Trent Moore

    Gov. proposes sales tax holiday for weather safety devices

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February 15, 2012

Gov. proposes sales tax holiday for weather safety devices

EMA director encourages every household to own radio

By David Palmer The Cullman Times

CULLMAN — The spring storm season is fast approaching north Alabama, which is raising the alert for community preparedness.

Alabama suffered through a long day of deadly, destructive tornadoes in April 2011, including an outbreak in Cullman County that ran from dawn to dusk.

Gov. Robert Bentley came forward Tuesday with a proposal to waive the sales tax once per year on weather radios, flashlights, generators and other supplies needed to help prepare for weather disasters.

According to the Associated Press, Bentley said the sales tax waiver would work much like the sales tax holiday in August when for one weekend the state 4 percent sales tax is removed from school supplies, books, clothes and other items needed as students prepare for school. The governor said the tax holiday was suggested by a committee named to offer ways to better prepare for storms.

The idea settles well with Cullman County Emergency Management Agency Director Phyllis, who has long advocated families buying weather radios for protection during storm season.

"I think the governor's proposal is great. I still give a weather radio to couples I know that are getting married. It's just such an important part of being prepared and making plans that can save your life," Little said.

After last year's tornadoes, Little said she hopes the public will not forget the value of being prepared.

"I know in the last few weeks I've talked to a lot of people about weather radios, especially after the recent round of thunderstorms," Little said. "A lot of people have been asking to have the programming checked and double-checked. It seems people are thinking about it more often. We're coming up soon on the one-year anniversary of the tornadoes and we need for that to stick with us. Being prepared — having the weather radios, knowing where shelters are located — is how we get through these events."

Ed Lins, a sales person at Handy TV & Appliance in Cullman, said weather radio sales have been consistent through the years, but especially after last year's tornadoes.

"It hasn't slowed down," Lins said. "Dropping the sales tax would save about $3, which could buy batteries. I know we sell a lot of weather radios and we program them for our customers."

Little said a weather preparedness class is scheduled for the public on March 20 at Cullman City Hall, starting at 6 p.m. The event will be sponsored by EMA, the National Weather Service in Huntsville and the Cullman Police Department. The instructor will be David Vadler of the NWS.

There is no cost to attend the session, which should last up to two hours. The class offers information on how to read signs of impending severe weather and what to do when a strong storm or tornado is inevitable, Little said.

"We offer these classes, but they are not often well attended," Little said. "Last fall we had 35 people in attendance and that was the largest group in six or seven years. It's a great opportunity to get information that can save your life."



 * David Palmer may be contacted at 256-734-2131, ext. 213 or dpalmer@cullmantimes.com.

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