Contacts for kids

Dear Heloise: I make sure even my YOUNG CHILDREN (ages 4 and 5) know my and my husband’s first names, our address and our cellphone numbers.

If we’re out and we get separated, they know to tell a trusted adult, store personnel or police officer this information. — Julie N. in Ohio

Julie, a job well done! Some other information they should know?

To call for a policeman, fireman or ambulance, dial 911. Your kids also should know your work phone numbers, the full names and phone numbers for a neighbor and for a relative, and, as they get older, general directions to your house. — Heloise

Phone alone

Dear Heloise: I keep my cellphone beside me when I’m reading or watching TV. If I come upon a word, phrase or theory I’m not familiar with, I can quickly look it up through one of the many search engines.

This saves a lot of time, and I end up understanding and learning more! — Savannah R., age 14, Roanoke, Va.

Bright white

Dear Heloise: On copy paper, what does “bright” on the label mean? How smart the paper is? This is confusing! — Leonard N., Orlando, Fla.

Leonard, ha! There is no such thing as “smartpaper”! Let’s figure this out.

Brightness refers to how much light is reflected off the paper. The “bright” description on the label indicates the scale of brightness of the paper, and a higher number means a brighter appearance. — Heloise

Fake out

Dear Heloise: What irritates me is companies that package their products so it appears that I am getting a larger quantity, only to find out when I open the box that there’s a false bottom, top or both!

Of course, the amount I get is printed on the package, but I feel like it’s still misleading. — Randy S., Stockton, Calif.

Letter of laughter

Dear Heloise: Online shopping IS convenient, but I’m missing out on a good form of exercise: walking the mall, supermarket or mega-retailer!

I try to utilize a good mix of both kinds of shopping to save time and burn some calories! — Mary E., Fort Wayne, Ind.

It’s in the bag

Dear Readers: Here are some common uses for a newspaper delivery bag:

■ Keep a cast dry in the shower.

■ Hold ice cubes for use when injured.

■ Keep feet dry when worn over socks before inserting into boots.

■ Litter bag for the car.

■ Use as a disposable glove for many purposes.

■ Keep shoes in when traveling.

— Heloise

Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to 1-210-HELOISE or email it to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.