
Expensive Heloise: In addition to checking your batteries in your smoke alarms and your carbon monoxide units, you additionally ought to decide up your handheld hearth extinguisher and provides it a vigorous shaking. This retains the fireplace suppressant suspended so it is more practical and would not settle on the backside. — Neil G., Belgrade, Maine
Neil, some hearth extinguishers do not have an expiration date stamped on them, however most producers use a five- to 15-year suggestion for substitute of a hearth extinguisher. It is best to verify the strain gauge month-to-month, and in case you are unsure, have a professional or somebody on the hearth station check out it. Be certain the nozzle or hose shouldn’t be cracked. Is the deal with wobbly? That is not good. Be certain the blocking pin on the deal with shouldn’t be lacking, and hold the upkeep of your extinguisher updated. You by no means know when it will likely be wanted. — Heloise
San Antonio, TX 78279-5001
Expensive Heloise: We reside in Vermont and have a wood-burning range. I’m an early riser, so I am the designated hearth starter. The handfuls of paper and kindling had been messy and time-consuming, so I now put together “hearth beginning baggage.” I save all small paper baggage as a substitute of throwing them away. I fill the luggage with wooden scraps, crushed waste paper and cardboard. Certainly one of these baggage is an effective way to get the fireplace occurring a chilly winter morning and places some waste supplies to good use. — Elaine N., Hubbardton, Vermont
Expensive Heloise: We simply bought new hardwood flooring they usually’re lovely. I might wish to hold them that approach. Any hints for sustaining a pleasant wood ground? — Tammy H., Purcell, Oklahoma
Tammy, listed below are some priceless hints to maintain these flooring trying like new:
— For those who use throw rugs in your wood flooring, use a very good pad beneath that will not stain the ground. It’s going to defend the ground and assist your rug last more.
— Use ground protectors underneath the legs of furnishings and do not slide furnishings. Decide up the piece to maneuver it.
— Through the winter months you may think about using a humidifier in your room to assist reduce wooden shrinkage and motion.
— Be very cautious with excessive heels and sports activities sneakers which have cleats. They will probably dent your wood ground.
— If water or different liquids spill in your ground, mop it up instantly or it would trigger the boards to twist up on the outer edges. — Heloise
Expensive Heloise: My spouse just lately was discharged from the hospital after a two-week keep. We almost misplaced her, however because of the care and coaching of the docs and nurses, she pulled by means of. I can not even start to let you know how grateful we’re that my spouse and the mom of our 4 youngsters continues to be right here to rejoice life with us. As a method to say thanks, I despatched a field of candies to the physician’s workplace and ordered 5 pizzas despatched to the workers on the ground the place she stayed. It was only a small approach of claiming thanks to those hardworking of us who’re all too seldom acknowledged for his or her service. — Sheldon M., Sacramento, California