Pets can be put at risk by infections from coronavirus

DEAR READERS: As you are taking care of your family during the coronavirus pandemic, don’t forget about your pets. There isn’t any evidence right now that pets can spread the virus to people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but it is studying whether pets could be a source of infection.

The CDC recommends that you treat your pets as you do your family members. Don’t let them interact with people or animals outside of your household. Keep cats indoors to prevent them from interacting with other animals or people.

Walk dogs on a leash, keeping them six feet from animals and other people. Stay away from dog parks and public places where large numbers of people and animals gather. And, if a family member inside the household becomes sick, that person should be isolated from everyone, including pets.

DEAR READERS: Of course, you will position your grill in an open area away from your home, and not on dry or brittle grass or plants.

Never light coals with gasoline or kerosene, because that can cause an explosion.

Do not add extra starter fluid to hot or warm coals, because flare-ups can be dangerous.

Make sure children and pets are away from the barbecuing area.

Keep a jug of water, spray bottle filled with water or fire extinguish nearby.

DEAR HELOISE: We have our first successful flower garden. I want to know how to keep my freshly picked flowers beautiful for a longer period of time.

DEAR JANET: Take these steps to enjoy them. Before you put them in a vase, take off the leaves and anything else that goes under the water line. But do keep the leaves that stay above the water line. Change the water often, and when you do, cut off 1/4 inch of each stem. Do not put the flower arrangement in direct sunlight or near any heat source.

DEAR READERS: If you have a lot of leftovers after a big dinner that you don’t want to throw out, here’s what you can do.

Do not waste this good food. Instead, you can make your own TV dinners. Here’s how.

Buy large, plastic, microwavable plates with compartments (look for them on sale).

Scoop leftover portions into each section of the plate. Then place the plate in a freezer-safe bag and label. Then when you need a super-fast meal, just pull it out and pop into the microwave.