HINTS FROM HELOISE

PRACTICAL, DEPENDABLE TIPS FOR TODAY’S

Dear Heloise: We’ve had some heavy thunderstorms in my area of the country. My fiance and I were out on a golf course one time during a thunderstorm, and he ran toward a tree, thinking it was safe. I told him that this wasn’t a safe place to avoid lightning, so we made a dash for the clubhouse instead.

Are there any other special do’s and don’ts to know during an electrical storm?

— Suzanna B., Overland Park,

Kansas

Suzanna, yes, there are, according to the National Weather

Service:

■ Avoid talking on the telephone or any other electrical devices.

■ Stay away from plumbing. No sinks, bathtubs, shower stalls or faucets.

■ If you’re on the porch, go inside or get into a vehicle with a hard top.

■ Stay away from windows and doors. — Heloise

Dear Heloise: My neighbors just had a housewarming party, and they received a number of lovely gifts. But a

BUSY CONSUMERS

week later, the hostess wrote me a very nice thank-you card. While vases and serving trays are always welcomed, she said that my gift had been the most useful. So, what did I get them? A hand truck! Sometimes called dollies, they’re used to carry heavy objects into the home or out of it.

As I walked around the hardware store, I realized that there are a lot of items people can use, but no one seems to think of them, such as large flashlights, security lights, motion detector lights, electric drills, hammers, shovels and much more. When someone moves from an apartment to a

new home, they usually don’t have a number of these things that homeowners need.

— Laura C., Durham, North Carolina

Dear Heloise: For 23 years, I’ve been shopping for groceries for my family, and there are a few hints I have for anyone who wishes to save money:

First, I use coupons whenever possible. I took my husband with me one time, and he said he was embarrassed to use coupons. He was a lot less embarrassed when he found out we saved $31 with those coupons!

Second, shop alone. Children will want items they won’t miss if they’re not with you. This applies to spouses, too. My husband always wants new ice cream flavors, so I leave him at home.

Third, don’t be afraid to give the generic brands a try.

Fourth, before you decide to buy anything, ask yourself: “Do we/I really need/want that item?”

Finally, never shop when you’re hungry. Everything will look too good to resist.