Dear Heloise: Joyce M., in Fayetteville, Tennessee, had a good idea about shutting off the water if you are going to be away from your home for an extended period of time. An easier way to do this is to locate the water shut-off valve that should be at or very near the water meter inside of you house. — Paul L., in Lincoln, Nebraska

SHUTTING OFF WATER CONT’D

Dear Heloise: If you shut off the water before going on a trip, also shut off or unplug the water heater. If the water level in the water heater drops below the heating elements, the elements will burn out, which is an additional cost for repairs.

We even unplugged the water heater when we lost power here in Texas. If our power came back, and the water company could not supply water, we could have had heater element issues again. — C.L.P., in San Antonio

TRAVEL HINT

Dear Heloise: In a recent column in the Colorado Springs Gazette, you printed a great hint from a couple who shares their passports and travel information with family prior to embarking on international trips. As a frequent international traveler myself, I’d recommend to also have the address and contact information of the United States Consulate or Embassy in the country (or countries) that you’re traveling to.

If you’re taking your mobile phone, verify with your service provider that the phone will work abroad or if you need to temporarily sign up for an international plan that allows you to use your phone in the country. This way, you’ll be able to be in contact with family/friends in the U.S. — Ann, via email

SIMPLE WAY TO MAKE LISTS

Dear Heloise: I have seen several hints that were sent to you about shopping lists. The last one suggested taking a picture of your shopping list so that you would have it on your phone. A much better way for iPhone users is to use the Reminders app. Simply create a list by opening the app and selecting “Add List.” You can name it “Groceries” (or whatever you like) and save it.

Then when you want to add an item, simply say, “Hey, Siri, add potatoes to the Groceries list.” This item will now be listed. When shopping, you can just bring up the list in the Reminders app, and you will see all the items that you added. Then as you add an item to your cart, just tap on the item in the list, and it will disappear. — Joe, in California

UNDER PRESSURE

Dear Heloise: I absolutely hate jars and bottles that I need to first press down on, then turn while pressing down. For a number of us, pressing down on anything takes a lot of strength. This is especially true if we have arthritis, have had wrist surgery, or have other physical problems.

I had to take a bottle of bleach back to the store and have the clerk help me remove the cap this week because I could not get the cap off. Because of this, I switched brands so that I no longer have to put up with this problem from the manufacturer.

If any of your readers knows of a secret that solves this problem, please print the answer. — Nola L., in Madison, Indiana

Nola, let me put it to my readers. Does anyone have a solution to this press-and-twist cap problem? I’ve returned a bottle of vitamins because I had the same problem. — Heloise

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SEND A GREAT HINT TO: Heloise@Heloise.com