Fire extinguisher check

DEAR HELOISE » Besides checking your batteries in your smoke alarms and your carbon monoxide devices, you also should pick up your handheld fire extinguisher and give it a vigorous shaking. This keeps the fire suppressant suspended so it’s more effective and doesn’t settle at the bottom.

— Neil G., Belgrade, Maine

Fire bags

DEAR HELOISE » We live in Vermont and have a wood-burning stove. I am an early riser, so I’m the designated fire starter. The handfuls of paper and kindling were messy and time-consuming, so I now prepare “fire starting bags.” I save all small paper bags instead of throwing them away. I fill the bags with wood scraps, crushed waste paper and cardboard. One of these bags is a great way to get the fire going on a cold winter morning and puts some waste materials to good use.

— Elaine N., Hubbardton,

Vermont

Hardwood floors

DEAR HELOISE » We just got new hardwood floors and they’re beautiful. I’d like to keep them that way. Any hints for maintaining a nice wooden floor?

— Tammy H., Purcell, Oklahoma

-- If you use throw rugs on your wooden floors, use a good pad underneath that won’t stain the floor. It’ll protect the floor and help your rug last longer.

-- Use floor protectors under the legs of furniture and don’t slide furniture. Pick up the piece to move it.

-- During the winter months you might consider using a humidifier in your room to help minimize wood shrinkage and movement.

-- Be very careful with high heels and sports shoes that have cleats. They’ll possibly dent your wooden floor.

-- If water or other liquids spill on your floor, mop it up immediately or it might cause the boards to curl up at the outer edges.

Hospital staff

DEAR HELOISE » My wife recently was discharged from the hospital after a two-week stay. We nearly lost her, but due to the care and training of the doctors and nurses, she pulled through. I can’t even begin to tell you how grateful we are that my wife and the mother of our four children is still here to celebrate life with us. As a way to say thank you, I sent a box of chocolates to the doctor’s office and ordered five pizzas sent to the staff on the floor where she stayed. It was just a small way of saying thank you to these hardworking folks who are all too seldom acknowledged for their service.