Cover all your bases

Dear Heloise: I made an “emergency information” card with information I hope I never need:

Husband: cell phone and car info (make, model, color, license number).

Wife: cell phone and car info (make, model, color, license number).

Pets: names and descriptions (plus location, if caged).

Pet care: Prearrangement with friend or kennel to come pick up pets in an emergency — name, contact person and phone number.

Family doctor: name and phone number.

Closest relative: name and phone number.

Closest friend: name and phone number.

Neighbor: name, address and phone number. — Susan P., New Braunfels, Texas Here’s a Heloise hug for you, Susan. Readers, hand out this card to a trusted neighbor, and customize your list for the needs of your family.

— Heloise

Extra help

Dear Heloise: For walkers with no seat: When sitting in a chair with no arms (i.e., a restaurant, dining table, etc.), I turn the walker around backward and push/roll it until the walker touches (surrounds) the back of the chair.

This gives me arms to grab hold of when need be, plus it gets the walker out of the way. This also is useful in a restroom stall.

— Julia P., Albany, Texas

Doesn’t hurt to ask

Dear Heloise: I know, I know — I shouldn’t carry a balance on my credit card. However, right now I do, and at a high interest rate.

I called the bank and asked if they would lower my interest rate. They did. It was really nice of them to work with me.

— Anne in Pennsylvania Great job being proactive to dig out from debt.

— Heloise