If anyone has forgotten that our area is susceptible to natural disasters, simply look slightly to the east.

Suffolk was attacked last month by Mother Nature with tornadoes that didn’t discriminate against property owners, whether they be residential or commercial.

Whatever was in the path suffered the wrath. In our area, we are easily reminded of the destructive powers of the weather: winds or floods.

Being prepared to handle such emergencies requires planning. Much can’t be humanly done to defeat or to negate the powers of nature, but there are many things we can do to cope with its aftereffects.

This week, there is a Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday that began Sunday and will continue until midnight Saturday.

In short, although it’s called a holiday on preparedness items, it really is a holiday from taxes on items we will need in a disaster.

It’s not a significant savings on the items needed in a time of emergency, but the statewide effort serves two purposes: to allow buyers to get necessary supplies without paying an additional 5 percent tax, and also to remind us all that hurricane season is approaching.

Some of the items that are tax-exempt until Sunday include artificial ice, most batteries, portable self-powered light sources, plastic sheeting, rope, duct tape, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, water storage containers, bottled water, portable radios, to name a few.

Other details are available by checking the Web sites www.tax.virginia.gov/salestaxholiday or www.vaemergency.com.

These are reminders: A season of storms is approaching. We can’t stop them, but we can be ready when they arrive. And in the meantime, we can stock supplies and save a little money.