What to do if you get pulled over
DEAR HELOISE: In light of the problems people are having with getting pulled over, here some things I learned during a recent incident when I was pulled over for a minor violation.
1. Pull over in a safe place as soon as you can.
2. Very important: Stay in your car. The officer will come to you.
3. Roll down your window, put a smile on your face, and be polite and patient.
4. In our state, you will need to present several documents to the officer. It makes things go quicker if you know where these documents are located. This includes your current driver’s license, the car registration and proof of your car insurance.
5. Be patient. The officer will run your name, registration, etc., through his computer to see if there are problems. This will take a few minutes.
6. When the officer hands you your citation, smile and thank him for his service.
7. Drive off slowly.
— R.P.B.,
Mabelvale, Ark. DEAR READERS: To save water and energy use, if you do not have enough dirty dishes to fill the dishwasher, take out china that’s been stored for a while or other barely used glasses, tableware or silverware. Use these to fill up the dishwasher so that you have a full load.
— Heloise
DEAR READERS: Many emergencies, minor and serious, happen in our homes. This includes dog bites, falls and slips, heart attacks, fires, floods, electrical issues, and other dangerous problems. It’s a good idea to sit down with family members to discuss family emergencies and home crises and explain what to do so that every family member is prepared.
The first, and most important, step is to call 911 in case of an emergency. Be sure to post phone numbers for plumbers, doctors, vets, hospitals and the fire department. And program them into every family member’s cellphone, too.
Put emergency guides in the kitchen that show how to do the Heimlich maneuver, to help in case someone chokes, as well as information about cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in case a family member stops breathing. You can also write down measures to take if your pet is choking.
— Heloise
DEAR READERS: To lessen issues with mixing up family members’ laundry, and to organize it, give each family member a different-colored laundry basket. They can then fill it with their clothes and bring it to the laundry room when the clothes need washing. After all the laundry is done, just take it back filled with the clean clothes.