Dear Heloise: I have a suggestion for anyone living alone, especially older adults: Put your phone next to your bed at night. I had a friend who stored her phone and emergency call button on the charger in her kitchen at night. They ended up finding her between the wall and her bed.

If either one had been on her nightstand, it might have saved her life. If you are laying in bed and something doesn’t feel right, it makes it easier to call for help. I read your column in the Portland Oregonian. — Nadine C., via email

Nadine, I agree. If you have a cellphone, it’s easier to just reach over and grab it. If you have a landline, you should have a phone installed next to your bed. This brings me to another subject …

Do you remember when we all had fire drills in school? You should also hold them about once a year with your family. Young children often get confused or just plain scared when there is a reason to panic. It’s not uncommon for them to hide under a bed or behind a door when there is a fire or some other emergency.

If you have a phone by your bed, you can call 911 for help, then get out of the house. Or at least call for help once everyone is gathered at a safe spot. — Heloise

DIGITAL ID TAGS

Dear Heloise: Upon reading a tip about tagging horses with dog ID col-lars, it came to me that for any pet — big or small — or even your kids, there are now computerized ID tags that will track their location. They can be worn just like a traditional ID tag on a collar, holster, etc. Even one shoe manufacturer offers a product that tucks into the sole of your child’s shoe.

Thank you for your daily hints. They are very helpful. — Cathy H., in Hannibal, New York

WATER VALVES

Dear Heloise: This carpenter believes you cannot have too many valves on a household water system. I have installed valves on both sides of the hot water heater, the house’s cold water supply, the hose bibs, and the underground sprinkler, while keeping water pressure on the hydronic heating system.

I take care of a vacation home for a couple and have their home set up this way. If there should be a leak while the house is not occupied, it will be contained to the heating system. Also, I have some low-temp detectors that can alert you to potential heating issues in time to prevent a freeze-up.

Finally, there are valves that are connected to a standing water sensor and shut the water off automatically. — Rolf T., via email

WASHING DOG TOYS

Dear Heloise: Recently, you suggested washing dog toys with the regular laundry. This was a mistake. You should wash dog toys in vinegar and 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda. Dogs are very sensitive to scents, and the perfumed smell of detergent is often repulsive to dogs since their ability to smell a change in their toys is much greater than ours.

Also, do not wash these toys with your regular laundry. I’ve had dogs all my life, which is more than half a century! By the way, I love your column and read it faithfully. — Irma M., in Milwaukee

A CLEAN MOUSE PAD

Dear Heloise: My handy hint for cleaning mouse pads is quite simple. Most mouse pads are made of sturdy foam rubber with a cloth surface. I put a couple squirts of dishwashing soap on the surface and scrub it with my kitchen brush. Then I rinse it off well, roll it up with a towel, and squeeze it. It’s dry by morning. — G.P., in Laguna Woods, California

SEND A GREAT HINT TO: Heloise@Heloise.com