DEAR HELOISE: I make sure even my young children (ages 4 and 5) know my and my husband's first names, our address and our cellphone numbers.
If we're out and we get separated, they know to tell a trusted adult, store personnel or police officer this information.
-- Julie N. in Ohio
DEAR READER: A job well done! Some other information they should know? To call for a policeman, fireman or ambulance, dial 911.
Your kids also should know your work phone numbers, the full names and phone numbers for a neighbor and for a relative, and, as they get older, general directions to your house.
DEAR HELOISE: I keep my cellphone beside me when I'm reading or watching TV. If I come upon a word, phrase or theory I'm not familiar with, I can quickly look it up through one of the many search engines.
This saves a lot of time, and I end up understanding and learning more!
-- Savannah R., age 14, Roanoke, Va.
DEAR HELOISE: On copy paper, what does "bright" on the label mean? How smart the paper is? This is confusing!
-- Leonard N., Orlando, Fla.
DEAR READER: There is no such thing as "smart paper"! Let's figure this out.
Brightness refers to how much light is reflected off the paper. The "bright" description on the label indicates the scale of brightness of the paper, and a higher number means a brighter appearance.
DEAR HELOISE: What irritates me is companies that package their products so it appears that I am getting a larger quantity, only to find out when I open the box that there's a false bottom, top or both!
Of course, the amount I get is printed on the package, but I feel like it's still misleading.
-- Randy S., Stockton, Calif.
DEAR READERS: Here are some common uses for a newspaper delivery bag:
• Keep a cast dry in the shower.
• Hold ice cubes for use when injured.
• Keep feet dry when worn over socks before inserting into boots.
• Litter bag for the car.
• Use as a disposable glove for many purposes.
• Keep shoes in when traveling.
Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email
Heloise@Heloise.com
Style on 10/09/2018