Did you know? Life span of smoke detectors is only 8-10 years

Dear Heloise: A note about the life span of smoke detectors: We as consumers have been told for many years that if the batteries in smoke alarms are fresh and if the alarm sounds when tested by poking the button on the system, the unit is working properly.

However, the most vital part of the smoke alarm is the smoke sensor. It detects the presence of smoke, and it has a limited life span. Write the date that you install the smoke detector on the actual unit. When buying a house or renting an apartment, check to be sure the smoke alarms are not more than 10 years old. If they are, request that they be replaced. A Reader, via e-mail

Important points! New smoke alarms have an estimated life span of eight to 10 years, then the entire unit should be replaced. Check batteries at least twice a year, and replace at least once a year.

We spoke to our fire department, which referred us to the U.S. Fire Administration’s Web site, www.usfa.dhs.gov. Here are some other important fire-safety and prevention hints:

•Establish an escape route in your home, and have surprise fire drills so family members will know how to evacuate in an emergency.

•Be sure the whole family knows how and when to call emergency personnel.

•Install carbon-monoxide detectors.

•Consider installing fire sprinklers in your home. Heloise.

Dear Heloise: When traveling by car, I hang clothes I’m taking on my shower rod, slip a large garbage bag over the clothes and secure the drawstring around the neck of the clothes hangers. Then I lay them over my suitcase.

I lay my suitcase on the back seat and my “garment bag” on top. In my trunk, I keep my overnight bag that I take into the motel, so I don’t have to unload every time. Linda, via e-mail

Dear Heloise: My clothes hamper was smelly, so I made a hamper sachet. I poured some baking soda into a coffee filter, stapled it closed and put it in the bottom of the hamper. I change it every week and pour the old baking soda down a drain to help freshen it. Barbara, Ohio

Barbara, baking soda is one of my favorite cleaners. Most households have it in the pantry, and if not, a box is inexpensive! For more ways on using it around your home, please send $5 and a long, self-addressed, stamped (61 cents) envelope to: Heloise/Baking Soda, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. To keep baking soda handy, take an empty grated-cheese or spice container, wash it well and, when dry, fill it with baking soda. When needed, just grab and shake. Heloise

Dear Heloise: To clean a blender, first rinse with water, then fill halfway and add one drop of liquid dishwashing liquid. Put the lid on securely and turn on a low setting. Follow by rinsing well, and the blender is ready to be used again! Kerry in Iowa

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