Hey Lubbock — it’s time to prep like a pro and save a little cash while you’re at it. The Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday is coming up fast, and it’s your chance to gear up for wild West Texas weather without paying sales tax!

When Can You Take Advantage of the Holiday?

Mark your calendars: Saturday, April 26 through Monday, April 28, 2025 — three full days to snag essential emergency gear tax-free. Whether it’s spring storms, summer wildfires, or the occasional surprise West Texas cold snap, you’ll want to be ready.

The best part? There’s no limit on how many qualifying items you can buy, and no exemption certificate is required. If it qualifies and you’re buying it during the holiday window, you skip the tax — it’s that simple!

Canva
Canva
loading...

So, what can you grab tax-free? The Less Expensive Stuff

Under $75:

  • Batteries (AAA, AA, C, D, 6V, 9V)

  • Flashlights, lanterns, and candles

  • First aid kits

  • Smoke detectors & carbon monoxide detectors

  • Fire extinguishers

  • Fuel containers

  • Mobile phone batteries & chargers

  • Non-electric coolers and ice chests

  • Can openers (non-electric)

  • Axes & hatchets

  • Reusable/artificial ice packs

  • Radios (battery-operated/weather band/two-way radios)
    Pro tip: Check out the GMRS radios and info from our friends at West Texas Pathfinders.

Canva
Canva
loading...

So, what can you grab tax-free? The More Expensive Stuff

Under $300:

  • Emergency ladders

  • Hurricane shutters

Under $3,000

  • Portable generators — yes, those qualify too!

This whole thing is designed to help Texans prepare for disasters like hurricanes, flash floods, and wildfires. And let’s be honest, in Lubbock, it’s not a matter of if the weather gets crazy — it’s when.

Canva
Canva
loading...

According to Lubbock County Emergency Management, now is the perfect time to get ahead of the storm (or fire, or freeze) season. County Judge Curtis Parrish and Emergency Coordinator Clinton Thetford are encouraging all residents to take advantage of this weekend to protect their homes, families, and peace of mind.

So get out there and get prepared, y’all. And don’t forget the batteries — you always need more batteries...

Essential Items To Build Your Emergency Preparedness Kit

When severe weather or some other emergency strikes, being prepared can make all the difference for you and your family. We have put together a list of essential items to help you build an emergency preparedness kit for you and your family.

Gallery Credit: Kat Mykals

Emergency and Disaster Preparedness - How Ready Are You?

While we keep fingers crossed that it never happens, sometimes those circumstances are out of our control. How prepared are you if a major disaster were to happen in your town or just in your home? Check out these ideas to help be ready if and when the time comes.

Gallery Credit: JD Knight

How to Set a Contact as an Emergency Bypass on Your iPhone

This safety feature will make sure you don't miss an important phone call by allowing this person to bypass your phone's silent setting. Basically if your phone is on silent, if this contact calls you it will ring so you absolutely don't miss their call.

Gallery Credit: Melissa Awesome

More From Awesome 98