Teach your children about staying safe
DEAR READERS: In today’s world, it’s essential to sit down with your children and teach them family safety in an emergency. Give them specific details on what they should do if they get lost, and to whom they should go or call (the name and contact info). Make sure this information is programmed in their cellphones.
In the morning before you go on a family outing or when you are on a vacation or heading to a theme park or sporting event, snap a photo of your kids with your smartphone. If they do get lost, you will have a photo handy to show the police. One easy way to spot a family member is if everyone is wearing the same color shirts.
DEAR READERS: If you fly an American flag at your home, inspect it often for tears, stains and other damage. An outside flag can be damaged by wind and rain, which also can make it dirty. Here’s how to clean it:
Many newer flags are made of cotton, nylon or acetate. These fabrics can be hand-washed in cool water with a mild detergent. Rinse thoroughly and then lay the flag flat to dry. If the flag is made of a different material than mentioned above and is old, valuable or sentimental, it should be dry cleaned.
DEAR READERS: So many of the fabrics in our houses get lots of use, and we don’t pay attention to them, unless there’s an awful spill or emergency! Here’s how to refresh them in between major cleanings:
Revive most pillows, bedspreads, comforters and curtains by placing them, along with a fabric-softener sheet, in the dryer on the AIR setting for several minutes. Dust off heavy drapery and fabric-covered chairs and couches with the vacuum and attachments.
DEAR READERS: During the summer, we have such fun barbecuing and eating outdoors.
But pay attention to safety issues when cooking. Always be aware that high summer heat can cause bacteria to grow in food, which makes it dangerous to eat. Knowing this will prevent your family from getting sick at a cookout.
First, never leave perishable food outside the refrigerator for more than two hours. If food has been sitting out for longer than two hours, throw it all out.
Second, if the outside temperature is 85 degrees or more, food at a picnic, lake, beach or on a patio should not be left out for more than one hour. Keep food out of the sun. Always store it in a cooler.