HELOISE Protect yourself by arming your alarm system

Dear Heloise: Our house was just burglarized, and I have a couple of hints for your readers on this subject:
U When you pur-chase some-thing that might later be stolen from your home, make sure that you have a legible copy of the receipt. Some stores print their receipts on thermal paper, and the printing will disappear after a period of time, depending on the temperature and other conditions. The easiest thing to do is make a copy of the receipt and tape or staple the original to it.
UThe other hint might seem obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people don't do it -- use your alarm system. Our thieves only took a couple of things because they knew they had a limited amount of time. If we hadn't had the alarm armed, they'd have had all the time in the world. Your alarm system won't protect you if you don't use it! Penny B., Houston
An alarm system does no darn good if its not turned on! Also, leaving garage doors open is an invitation to thieves to take an inventory of things and come back later. Heloise
Dear Heloise: I have found some good uses for the unwanted pages that come out automatically from my computer printer when I print something from a Web site or e-mail.
I cut the paper into note-size pieces and use the backs of them for taking notes or for keeping score when playing cards or games.
This is a great way to recycle the paper, and it also saves money by not needing to buy paper for memos, grocery lists or score pads. Rose B., The Villages, Fla.
You can also reuse it by putting it back into the printer -- just test to be sure it goes in the right way. Heloise
Dear Heloise: I love reading your column in the Washington, D.C., area.
I have a lift on my minivan to carry my scooter with me wherever I go. I was afraid to get the inside of the van too dirty, so to protect the interior carpets, I purchased matching bathroom rugs that could be easily removed and washed when mud, sand and dirt got on them.
It is easy and practical, and I hope other families can use this hint. M.R., Washington, D.C.
Dear Heloise: The appointment card I receive for my next visit is stapled or paper-clipped to the bottom of my calendar on the month the appointment is scheduled.
It acts as a tab, and it's easy to read all the information. No more searching for that card. Marion Schaefer, San Clemente, Calif.
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