DEAR READERS: School is well underway, kids are outside walking to class, and of course the big yellow school buses are out and about. Here are some safety hints and rules for the roadfor the typical motorist, from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov):
mAlways be watchful for kids walking, playing and darting about, especially when you are backing out of the driveway. Use caution.
• If you're driving in an area you are not familiar with, look for clues like playgrounds and crossing guards, which will tell you that kids could be nearby.
• Slow down when the yellow lights flash on the school bus, and when the red lights come on, STOP 20 feet away. Wait until the driver turns off the lights to proceed.
Getting kids to class safely is so important. Slow down and look around. Check out the school bus safety laws in your state.
DEAR HELOISE: I use the trash can as a cleaning bucket. It serves a double purpose -- to clean the floors and the trash can. The trash can will be clean and smell fresh. It's also useful because I live in a small space, and I don't have room for a bucket.
-- Robin M., via email
DEAR READER: Glad you got a handle on your situation. Readers, did you know that one study states over 10% of the water "used" in your home is actually lost to a repairable leak? Contact your water company to learn more about leaks.
DEAR HELOISE: Why do the people who make ladies pajamas not always attach a pocket on every pair? We all need a tissue sometimes!
-- Edna M.,
Peterstown, W.Va.
DEAR HELOISE: I have a terrible time with roaches in my home. I scrub and disinfect all my surfaces and never leave food out. What can I do?
-- Hailey G. in New York
DEAR READER: Use my mother's recipe: Combine equal parts boric acid powder (usually sold in hardware stores or drugstores) and sugar, and mix well. Put the powder in lids and place in the back of cabinets, under sinks, etc. Sprinkle in crevices, and for those of you who are building or remodeling, sprinkle inside your walls. However, keep children and pets away from this mixture. Boric acid can be harmful if ingested, even in small amounts.
Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email
Style on 09/17/2019