Figure out the best emergency exits
HINTS FROM HELOISE
HELOISE
Dear Heloise: In response to your recent column on this topic, I'd like to add that when our children were young, we'd discuss with them the best way to get out of the house (like out the back door if there was a fire blocking the usual ways). Once we were all out, then we'd meet by a large tree in front of the house. If anyone was missing, then we would go look for them or alert firefighters. Of course, we'd try to be certain that all the kids were out of their rooms. — Janet, in New Orleans
Gift card balance
Dear Heloise: Restaurant gift cards make wonderful treats, but always check the balance before you use one. My husband and I recently paid for dinner with a gift card. When the waiter returned, he told us that the card only had one penny on it, so we paid for the meal with our debit card. Later, we realized that the balance should have been much higher.
We suspect that someone may have used the remaining value, but we had no easy way to prove it. Now we check every gift card before leaving home. Most cards include a customer service phone number or website on the back where you can verify the balance in seconds. Also, try keeping receipts from previous uses if possible.
Taking a moment to confirm the balance prevents confusion and protects you from unpleasant surprises at the register.
Hope this tip makes outings smoother for others. — Sandy P., via email
Navy vs. black
Dear Heloise: Many of us have wondered if pants or sweaters are navy or black. The colors look almost identical, especially in low light. A simple trick ends this guessing game: Once you know that an item is navy, attach a large safety pin to the inside label as a quick reminder.
When you dress, you'll instantly know that it's navy, not black. This trick saves time, enables you to coordinate outfits more quickly and avoids color mismatches. It takes seconds to add the pin and saves time and frustration every time you open your closet. — Dar Richardson, in Fort Wayne, Indiana
Handy cellphone trick
Dear Heloise: I have a handy trick that saves time when I'm texting or searching for something on my cellphone. If I make a typing mistake, instead of repeatedly tapping the screen to move the cursor, I place my finger on the space bar and slide it left or right. This trick turns the keyboard into a small trackpad, letting me move the cursor smoothly.
If the mistake is several lines back, I tap near the error first, then use the space bar to guide the cursor exactly where it needs to go. This simple trick helps me correct mistakes quickly and avoids the frustration of trying to tap the exact spot on the screen. — Emily Murphy, in Kingwood, Texas
Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise@ Heloise.com.
