Hints from Heloise

Tue., Nov. 21, 2006

The Spokesman-Review

Dear Heloise: I travel occasionally for my work and always carry a portable smoke detector (it just hooks over the top of any door). I pack it when I visit friends and relatives, too. You’d hope everyone checks his or her detectors regularly, but you never know.

I’m sure my friends and colleagues think I’m a little odd, but I also give the detectors as presents, and I always include batteries. – B.C. from North Carolina

You are not odd. The alarming number of house fires that happen because there is no smoke detector or the battery is dead is staggering. Play it safe. – Heloise

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