Crucial to practice fire safety at home
DEAR READERS: It’s really important that all family members pay attention to fire safety in your house because the overwhelming number of fire-related deaths are caused by fires in the home. Point out to family members that carelessness with candles or the stove can be dangerous. Set up an emergency escape plan and be sure that every family member knows exactly what to do if there is a fire. To help prevent fire risks NEVER leave a stove, dryer or candles unwatched. Don’t overload power strips. Test smoking alarms at least monthly. Be sure that certain appliances, such as home heating and cooling systems, are well maintained. DEAR HELOISE: What can I do to make the vegetables and fruit that I buy at the supermarket, last longer when I bring them home? — Andrea in Virginia
DEAR ANDREA: When you get them home, it’s key that you store them properly in the refrigerator to make them last longer. Try to eat vegetables and fruits within several days after you have bought them. But if you cannot, here’s how to keep them as fresh as you can:
Store vegetables in the refrigerator in perforated plastic bags. Use crisper drawers to help keep vegetables moist. In new refrigerators, you can adjust the humidity controls in the crisper drawers. Store fruits and vegetables in separate drawers to prevent the ethylene gas of the fruit from affecting the veggies. Also, be aware that potatoes, tomatoes, garlic and onions should not be placed in the refrigerator.
DEAR READERS: Before you put your pet into a kennel, you must check out the facility carefully. Get recommendations from friends who have boarded dogs there. Ask your vet about it. You can check the Better Business Bureau for another confirmation. Make an appointment to visit the kennel before you make the decision to board your pet there. Here’s what to look for:
The kennel should be clean, free of odors and well lit. The facility should require current booster immunizations. Also find out what their policies are for handling emergencies. Look at the people who are handling the pets. Do the boarded pets appear to be healthy, or are they coughing?