Act quickly to stay safe during a fire
DEAR READERS: Fires can break out in our homes and spread incredibly fast. Be aware that the heat and smoke can be more dangerous than flames, and gases can make you and your family members sleepy. The leading cause of fire deaths is asphyxiation, even more than burns.
The minute you smell smoke or see flames, take these steps:
■ For a small fire, grab an extinguisher and put it out. However, if you cannot quickly get the flames under control, leave the house ASAP.
■ If you are behind a closed door, first use the back of your hand to touch the doorknob and the top of the door before you open it. If the door is hot or warm, do not open it. Instead, try to get out through a window, if possible. If the door is cool, open it a bit to see if there is a clear escape route. Be sure to close the door as you leave to stop the fire from spreading.
■ If you see smoke, get down on the floor and crawl under the smoke. The poisonous gases and smoke rise first to the ceiling.
After all family members are out of the house, call 911. Gather your family and go over these escape plans often so your children will know what to do.
DEAR HELOISE: I have a great use for the sample credit cards that come in the mail. I find it is most helpful to use them as pot scrapers. They clear off the stuff stuck to my pans, like oatmeal or cream soups. Best of all, they do so without scratching the pan, so this hint is especially good for nonstick surfaces.
— Elizabeth from Oregon DEAR READERS: If you display an American flag in your yard, give it a quick check every so often to see how it’s surviving the weather sun, rain and wind. Make sure that it hasn’t become torn or ripped. To make it last longer, keep it clean. If the flag is nylon, cotton or acetate, hand-wash with cool water and gently scrub with a mild detergent. Rinse well. Lay the flag flat and allow it to dry. But if the flag is older, sentimental or valuable, take it to a dry cleaner.