LITTLE ROCK — DEAR HELOISE: I have lived in hurricane-prone areas and used to advise people about preparing emergencykits. One item I suggest is that everyone who may experience power outages stock children’s party glow stick bracelets inwith the supplies.
Reasons:
Safer than candles, especially for children and elderly.
You aren’t using batteries or losing flashlights. They last 24 hours.
Inexpensive - you can buy packages of multiple glow sticks at dollar and craft stores.
They can substitute for a night light anywhere you need one.
You can hang them from chandeliers or light fixtures - almost anywhere.
I loop them around every doorknob in the house so I do not injure myself walking through the house, and this makes it easy to find an exit if it is necessary.
They store easily and last a long time. But if I don’t use them by late October, I give them to the trick-or-treaters to be safe as they walk the neighborhood, and then I buy myself a new supply.
O.M., via e-mail
DEAR HELOISE: Suzy of Colorado Springs, Colo., had a fabulous idea in compiling a three-ring notebook to keep deployed Dad involved in the day-to-day activities and grades of his children (from a previous column - Heloise). But I would add to please consider making a second set in case the binder gets lost.
As the daughter of a military dad who spent most of my childhood overseas or at sea, I have treasured the three-ring binder my dad compiled when he was finally stationed stateside. What I didn’t appreciate at the time has since become a loving memory. You can’t put a price on priceless.
- Helen in Montclair, Va. 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
Weekend, Pages 34 on 09/22/2011