HELOISE There's nothing funny about turning signs

Dear Heloise: The kids in some neighborhoods think that it is funny to turn street signs around. A month ago, the fire department was called to a house, and the firefighters had a hard time finding the place because the street signs had been turned.
These kids don't seem to realize that a loved one could die because an emergency vehicle could not rescue the person.
If you could, print this letter so parents can warn their children not to do such things. Margaret L., via e-mail
Consider it done, Margaret -- and thank you for writing about this! A missing street sign can lead to something worse! Please, readers, if you notice anything like this, contact the appropriate agency so the problem can be taken care of ASAP! Heloise
Dear Heloise: I had this idea for saving money at Christmastime. Instead of sending Christmas cards, we are going to make a quick call to everyone on our list to tell them "Merry Christmas" in place of a Christmas card.
I believe people will enjoy it more, and I can put the money to another useful cause.
I enjoy your column in the Houston Chronicle. Billie W., Brenham, Texas
Thanks for the nice words. With many people using cellular phones, a lot of plans carry "free" long-distance on weekends. Heloise
Dear Heloise: When I receive free gifts with the purchase of cosmetics, I save those I can't use and also those from friends and take them to an outreach center or shelter for abused women.
They are delighted to receive these new and unused items. P.R., Texas
You are singing my song! Call shelters in your area to see if they can use these lovely gifts. I bet most will say yes! Heloise
Dear Heloise: Faced with a carton full of foam peanuts charged with static electricity, I sprayed a couple of shots from my can of anti-static spray into the box. It worked like a miracle, and I was able to pour the peanuts into a plastic trash bag with ease.
I just wish I'd came up with the idea earlier, when I had to reach into a carton to pull out the merchandise I had ordered -- and ended up with pieces of foam all over my sweater. Anonymous, New Hampshire
Dear Heloise: When you buy stamps in rolls, leave the tape strip on and start using the roll from the inside of the roll. This way, the roll is for right-handed people, and it won't come undone until you have used most of the stamps. Works great! Pat Dragisich, via e-mail
Dear Heloise: Can't keep a bandage on your fingertip? The solution is easy.
Cut the appropriate-size finger from a disposable latex medical glove. Slide onto the bandaged finger, and the bandage stays put. Betty Beckerman, Chapel Hill, N.C.
XSend a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can't answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.
King Features Syndicate