Keep two copies of important papers — separately

Dear Heloise: A recent column contained information about important papers in an emergency. One note of caution: A co-worker had her papers in an old briefcase “hidden” in a closet for just such a situation. However, when her house was broken into, the thief took all of it, including income-tax papers, car titles, birth certificates and bank statements.

A better idea is to have copies of your important documents in a safe place to take with you in an emergency, and put the originals in a bank lock box. A similar thing happened to my neighbor. A word to the wise is sufficient. Evelyn B., Little Rock, Ark.

Yes, it is! It’s advisable to have copies in another location. Since many people do not have a bank lock box, folks, stop and think. Where would a thief look, and what would that person grab? Heloise

Dear Heloise: I love to knit, and so I have a fairly large number of scarves. It was difficult to store them in a small amount of space but still be able to see each one for color selection when trying to match a sweater, jacket or coat. I purchased a special hanger with five rods, each covered with nonslip foam. The hanger is actually intended to hold slacks, but I found that if I fold my scarves in half and then drape them over the individual rods, I can hang about 20 scarves. They don’t slip off and are all visible at a glance. Debbie Carlson, Omaha, Neb.

Dear Readers: Don’t throw out socks without mates:

•Cut a tube off and use as a wristband while painting.

•Use to clean baseboards and blinds.

•Wear one when removing ice from the vehicle.

•Use as a wash mitt for an auto.

•Put several inside each other, then tie the end for a soft pet toy. Heloise

Dear Heloise: Several of my prescriptions must be taken with food or milk. I highlight the phrase saying so on the bottle, which makes it easier for me to see. Essie Lee, Texarkana, Texas

Dear Heloise: Take a T-shirt and make a bib out of it. Cut about 3 inches off the neckline to make it larger. Leave a 4-inch shoulder seam and make a cut from the shoulder seam (through both layers — front and back) down to the bottom of the shirt, cutting off the sleeves. Cut the front and back length for either a child or adult. It will work great for a spaghetti dinner, is easily washed and goes on and off without strings to tie. Nioma Bowman, Galena, Ohio

Sound Off

Dear Heloise: I work in a convenience store, and this is my Sound Off: I hate when people come in talking on their cell phone, shop while talking and then check out while still on the phone. I think this is very rude and annoying! Carrie R., via e-mail

SBlt Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.

King Features Syndicate