Helpful Hints

DEAR READERS: Summer's here, and most children are out of school. The National Crime Prevention Council, ncpc.org, has some great hints for families to talk to their children about. Stranger danger is real. Teach children these hints:

• Strangers can be polite and clean-cut -- not just scary-looking, bad people. Be suspicious of people you don't know asking you into their homes, or to find their puppy, or asking for directions.

• There are good strangers -- policemen, firefighters and librarians, for example. It's their job to help people.

• A good memory trick is to remember: No, Go, Yell, Tell. It's OK to raise your voice if you're scared.

Parents, use these hints to keep your kids safe:

• Go around your neighborhood and show your kids safe places they can go to.

• If your kids have a "gut feeling" about something not being right, tell them to go with it.

P.S.: A wonderful reader hint was to tell children that if they get lost or separated, or feel scared, look for a mother with children. Probably a safe bet.

DEAR HELOISE: Spring-cleaning is not just about being clean. When you deep-clean, you look for things that need repair. It's important to recognize areas of the home that need attention before the problem becomes irreparable.

I was spring-cleaning and noticed a brown stain on my window seal. We were able to fix the problem before it ruined our window.

-- Sue W. in Florida

DEAR HELOISE: When I get a new appliance delivered, my grandchildren aren't too interested in it, but they love the box it comes in. They love it when I throw in some crayons. They scramble in and color the inside of the box.

-- Nana in Boise, Idaho

DEAR HELOISE: I found a great way to make pillowcases fit. I place the pillow in a plastic shopping bag and slip that into the pillowcase, then remove the plastic bag. Works like a charm.

-- Penny S. in Louisiana

DEAR HELOISE: When I cook hamburgers, to drain them, I fold several layers of newspaper and top it with a layer of paper towels. I can't believe all the grease it soaks up.

-- Helen G., Pacolet, S.C.

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

Weekend on 06/30/2016

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