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The contents of a typical hurricane survival kit. Photo/UF-IFAS Extension Services
By Lourdes Mederos
UF-IFAS Extension Services
The Florida Department of Revenue has set two separate two-week storm supply sales tax holiday periods this year. The second period runs Aug. 26 through Sept. 8.
As prices continue to increase, people will have to pay more for everything, including storm supplies.
“Purchasing perishable and non-perishable supplies to successfully weather a storm comes with additional expenses that can impact an already tight budget,” said Brenda Marty-Jimenez, one of several UF/IFAS Extension agents throughout the state specializing in family and consumer sciences. “It can be challenging to find the time and resources necessary to feed our families nutritious food and stock up on recommended supplies.”
Thinking ahead is key, she said.
“There are plenty of cost-saving measures you can adopt now that will save you money over time, such as creating hurricane menus and shopping for what you can ahead of time,” Marty-Jimenez said.
The tips include:
- Planning saves time and money. Eating healthy, managing food dollars and cooking at a lower price tag require meal planning, a key step to managing resources. Before heading to the store, set up a grocery list that will yield multiple recipes and falls within your budget. Be prepared that substitutions may be necessary – due to ongoing supply chain challenges, stores may not have all items in stock. Keep a copy of your disaster menu plan stored with your disaster supplies. Some find it useful to take a photo of their grocery list to keep in their smartphone in case the list gets misplaced, especially during stressful moments. Before heading to the register, double-check your grocery list to make sure you have all the items you need inside your cart. A second trip to the grocery store costs time and extra gas money.
- Take advantage of in-store specials and use coupons. Do not buy what your family will not eat just because it is on sale or you have a coupon. Purchasing “buy one, get one free” items can save money. Cases of water are often sold at buy one, get two free during hurricane season. By using coupons, the dollars you save each week can add up.
- Prepare your car. Keep your gas tank half full during hurricane season. Plan where you will do your shopping based on where you will find the best deals and how far you will have to travel. Travel, buy and plan in advance, while the shelves are still stocked. When the shelves are empty, you will spend more gas money driving around to find what you need. Make sure you are maintaining your gas tank at the half-full level during hurricane season. When a storm is approaching, gas lines can become long, and supplies may run out.
