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Dear Heloise: I'm recently retired, but before I stopped working full-time, I taught safety classes for women at our community center. Here are a few lessons for people to remember that may save their lives:
-- If someone grabs you and won't let go, don't scream for help. Instead, shout, "Fire!" People will come to find out where and what's on fire.
-- If you're approached by an elderly man or woman who asks for a ride home, always say "no." Remember when your folks told you to never pick up strangers? They knew what they were talking about, and this also goes for the elderly.
-- Never help a stranger look for a "lost pet." Tell your children the same thing. This has been a common ploy used by kidnappers of children.
-- If you smell smoke and are unable to escape via a smoke-free route, crawl to a door or window. Hot smoke tends to rise, so air that's lower down is often cooler and clearer. -- W.E.B., in Illinois
KEEP YOUR RECEIPTS
Dear Heloise: Here's a money-saving hint for drivers. Keep one simple log of oil changes, tire rotations, brake repairs and receipts, and write down the mileage when each is done. This way, you never pay a shop for a service that you already had, and you can see what's due by miles or months. -- Brock H., via email
RING STAINS DISAPPEAR
Dear Heloise: I finally found a way to get rid of the white ring stains on my wooden coffee table. I just mixed mayonnaise and baking soda until it became a paste. I took a soft cloth (not a paper towel) and polished the wood. Then I let it sit for 3 minutes and wiped it clean. It's easy, and it works! -- Holly H., in Spokane, Washington
CONTRACTOR DOCUMENTS
Dear Heloise: Some documentation that a legitimate contractor should be willing to supply might include: proof of workmen's insurance coverage, a city or state business/contractor's license, and your name listed as additionally insured on their liability insurance policy after you sign a contract for the job. I'm a retired building contractor. -- Rolf T., via email
NONSTICK FRYING PANS
Dear Heloise: I've been reading your column forever. I'm at my wit's end. Is there any truth to the commercials on nonstick frying pans? They all stick! Can you recommend one? Thanks. -- Robert C. Cruz, via email
Robert, thank you for writing. I hear you loud and clear -- there’s nothing more frustrating than a “nonstick” pan that sticks! To be honest, many of these commercials are marketing hype. Over time, even the best coatings can degrade, especially if they're used on high heat or cleaned with harsh scrubbers.
I personally prefer using a little bit of oil or butter, even on nonstick surfaces, and I always recommend using silicone or wooden utensils to keep the coating from scratching. While I don’t recommend specific brands, try to look for ones with a heavy base that distributes heat evenly and always follow the manufacturer's care instructions to the letter. -- Heloise
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