Always know where fire extinguishers are

Dear Heloise: My sister recently had a pan of grease catch fire, and some things became rather apparent. One thing was: Where did we put the fire extinguisher? Secondly: How do we use it?

After a few minutes, I did manage to figure out how to work the extinguisher and was able to put the fire out safely. I just want to remind others that it is important not only to have an extinguisher, but also to know where it is and how to use it. Kathy, via e-mail

This is so true, Kathy! We have four red fire extinguishers in the office in various places, not to mention three or four in my house, and your note is a good reminder for all of us to check our fire extinguishers and read the instructions. Wise hint! Heloise

Dear Heloise: Last week, the pin that holds my watch together came out. I thought, I cannot go without my watch! I have not been able to get to a watch-repair place to have it fixed. So I thought of an idea: use a needle and thread. I used a rather narrow needle and gray thread. It worked like a charm! Kathy, Greenbelt, Md.

Dear Heloise: I have around 140 pairs of pierced earrings that needed to be organized! I have always kept my earrings on their original cards from the store and in those tiny plastic bags. My new system works wonderfully and doesn’t cost very much. I got round binder rings from an office-supply store and a paper punch from a crafts store. With the earrings in the bags, I punched a hole in the bag in the upper right-hand corner. I sorted the earring pairs into color categories, and I slipped a binder ring into the hole of each bag. When I’m looking for a pair in the morning, I just go to the category. M.M., via e-mail

Dear Heloise: Like many of us, I have a selection of tote bags, which are awkward to store. I came upon a solution. I purchased a large belt ring, hung all my tote bags on it, and it hangs neatly in my closet. Easy to access, view and choose. Why didn’t I think of this years ago? Jean Milici, Torrington, Conn.

Dear Heloise: When I am in a store parking lot and have to load items into my trunk, the first thing I do is put my purse in the car and lock the car. I make sure to keep my keys in my hand or pocket. Now my purse cannot be easily snatched out of the buggy while I am distracted with putting my bags in the trunk. Lynn, North Jackson, Ohio

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