HELPFUL HINTS

— DEAR HELOISE: Awhile back, as my teenage son was cooking, a pan of grease on the stove caught on fire. He ran to get me, and I told both children to get out of the house.

I grabbed the fire extinguisher we keep in the kitchen. I had not read the directions on the fire extinguisher and while I was trying toread them, the smoke-alarm noise was so intense I could barely concentrate Needless to say, understanding how the fire extinguisher works before an emergency is very important. You can buy two extinguishers and have every family member practice with one until everyone knows how to work them properly.

The fire chief reminded me of other hints I already knew but had forgotten in the excitement (I will never forget them again!):

1. Baking soda can be used.

2. Place the correct size lid on the pot to smother the flames. If the lid is too small, it doesn't work, and if it is too big, the fire will curl around it.

3. If it is safe to turn off the vent fan over the stove, do so. The vent will suck the fire into the attic and cause the fire to spread.

4. A window may be closer than a door. A lot of us do not think of using a window to get out instead of a door because it is not in our normal every-day routine. Teach your children to use the window if a fire breaks out, and have a designated area away from the house for everyone to meet.

5. Using a cordless phone allows you to get out of the house while making the call.

- Janet L., via e-mail Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or e-mail

HELOISE@CompuServe.com

ActiveStyle, Pages 31 on 10/29/2007

Upcoming Events