Helpful Hints

DEAR HELOISE: My son's preschool had firefighters come to the school. I stayed for the presentation and learned stuff, too.

The firefighters put on all of their gear, then went to each child and shook hands (if the kid allowed). They said they did this so that in an emergency, if they had to rescue a child, the child wouldn't be scared because he or she would know that it was a fireman. It was something I hadn't even thought of before that day. Firefighters can look pretty scary with the mask, gear and oxygen tank! (Heloise here: Especially from a child's height and looking up.)

Another hint was what to do if the children live in a two-story house and get stuck in their room. The captain said to open the window and throw all of the toys out on the ground. As soon as the firefighters arrive, one of them walks the perimeter. If the firefighter sees a whole bunch of toys on the ground where they don't belong, they know that someone probably is stuck in the room above.

This could work for adults, too, and I thought it was valuable information to pass along.

-- Shawna in San Antonio

DEAR READER: Very, very good advice, and some that I hope my readers will remember, and teach young ones. Grandparents, are you listening?

DEAR HELOISE: My family and I love to take road trips. We often stop several times at little hotels or motels.

Always take all of your luggage inside. Don't take only what you need and leave the rest in the car. If your car is broken into or stolen, the thieves may get your car and most of your luggage, too. Depending on your car insurance, you might not get reimbursed for anything but the car. It can be a hassle to drag all of the luggage in, but it is well worth it.

-- Kelly in Kentucky

DEAR READER: A good thought. A thief might break into the trunk only. When David and I are on the road, he always backs into the space, and that area usually is lighted. Do check home and auto insurance before a trip.

DEAR HELOISE: My mother has a shower seat that she uses. She was having a problem with slipping when the seat got wet and soapy. We got some inexpensive shelf liner and cut it to fit the seat. No more slipping.

-- Hallie in Alabama

DEAR READER: Smart and safe. You also can use a washcloth or hand towel in a pinch.

DEAR READERS: I have many potted and hanging plants. Whenever I go around and water my plants, I put a plastic bag over my arm and carry scissors with me. When I see dead leaves or something that needs to be trimmed, I use the scissors to snip, and into the bag it goes.

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

Heloise@Heloise.com

MovieStyle on 08/29/2014

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