For deliveries, ring the doorbell

Dear Readers: In a previous column, a reader asked for delivery drivers to ring the doorbell when they leave packages on the porch . Several readers wrote in. Here’s a sampling:

“I’m a delivery person . There are peop le who don’t want us to ring because of a sleeping baby, barking dog or both. If you would like us to ring the doorbell, please leave a note on the door.”—Lisa, via email

“I was happy that someone mentioned what should be obvious: Ring the doorbell. I made a sign and put it on my front gate: ‘All Deliveries, Please Ring Doorbell.’”— Dave B., Anaheim, Calif.

“We installed a doorbell with a camera. It is great! We can see, via our cellphones, who is at our front door.”— Mary A., Vancouver, Wash.

“Some people are day sleepers. There are apps that’ll notify you when your package has been delivered, and every stop along the way. You’ll get a text once your package has arrived.”—A Retired Late Sleeper in Louisiana

“The solution is simple: Build your own storage container, bolt it to your porch and leave an unlocked padlock on it. I repurposed a toolbox out of my pickup truck, and it works well.”— Eric P. in California

Thank you for your feedback!—Heloise

MINDING YOUR I’S

AND L’S

Dear Heloise: If you’re writing your email address by hand—say, to give to a colleague—and it has lowercase L’s in it, the number 1 or a capital I, make sure it is clear what these characters are—this will save a lot of time.—Jack L. in San Antonio

The same goes for zeros and capital O’s!—Heloise