LAPLACE — Residents of the River Region can save money while getting prepared for the upcoming hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30, by participating in Louisiana’s approaching Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday.

During the two-day annual holiday — which begins at 12:01 a.m. May 30 and concludes at 11:50 p.m. May 31 — tax-free purchases are authorized on the first $1,500 of the sales price of each of the following items:

• portable self-powered light sources

• portable self-powered radio, two-way radio or weather band radio;

• tarpaulin or other flexible waterproof sheeting;

• any ground anchor system or tie-down kit;

• any gas or diesel fuel tank;

• any package of AAA-cell, AA-cell, C-cell, D-cell, 6-volt, or 9-volt batteries, excluding automobile and boat batteries;

• any cellular phone battery and any cellular phone charger;

• any non-electric food storage cooler;

• any portable generator used to provide light or communications or preserve food in the event of a power outage;

• any “storm shutter device”, as defined in the Act;

• any carbon monoxide detector;

• any blue ice product.

St. John the Baptist Parish will participate in Louisiana’s annual Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday by exempting the 5 percent local sales tax in addition to the state’s 4 percent sales tax on the first $1,500 of the sales price.

Fisher’s Ace Hardware, located at 504 Hemlock St. in LaPlace, is one locally owned store gearing up for the holiday. Owner Mary Claire Fisher said the store is stocked for the sale, but added many shoppers don’t buy hurricane supplies until there is already a storm in the Gulf.

She said by shopping ahead of time this year, customers can save money and avoid a rush to the store when there are sure to be more shoppers all searching for the same supplies.

The following activities will also be tax-free eligible during the sales holiday:

• buying and accepting delivery of eligible hurricane-preparedness items or supplies;

• placing eligible items or supplies on layaway;

• making final payment on and withdrawing eligible items or supplies previously placed on layaway; or

• ordering an eligible item for immediate delivery, even if delivery must be delayed, provided that the customer has not requested delayed shipment.

According to the Louisiana Department of Revenue, retailers should report exempt sales on Line 24 of the Sales Tax Return (R-1029).

For a full list of conditions related to the sales tax holiday, visit revenue.louisiana.gov.