Dear Readers: We take our water as a given, but what if there's a problem?

A WATER MAIN BREAK can affect water quality, and less-than-average pressure from a storage tank can contaminate the water with harmful bacteria.
Your water provider may issue a "boil water advisory." There are two kinds: precautionary (loss of water pressure) and mandatory (confirmed contamination).

Here are some things to know if an advisory is posted:

• Discard ice cubes and foods made with tap water.

• Bring tap water to a rolling boil (large bubbles) for a few minutes, then cool completely and store in the refrigerator for drinking, or use bottled water.

• Give pets water that has been boiled and cooled.

• You can shower, but don't take any water in your mouth.

• Doing laundry is OK.

• Don't use the dishwasher; wash dishes by hand with the boiled water.

Once the advisory is lifted (you'll know from media outlets), flush your faucets. Check your water provider's website for more complete information. - Heloise

BEDTIME FOR BABY

Dear Readers: Did you know that to avoid risk of suffocation, an infant should be put in a crib with ONLY a firm mattress and a fitted sheet? The baby should wear only a one-piece sleeper. NO toys, pillows, crib bumpers, loose bedding or blankets in the crib.
At bedtime and for naps, put the infant on his or her back in the crib, and the room temperature should be what's comfy for you. - Heloise

PUZZLING

Dear Heloise: I have my child put a puzzle together on a piece of cardboard. When complete, I put another piece of cardboard on top of the puzzle.
I flip it over and remove the cardboard. Now we can create another picture on the underside. We get out our crayons and markers and CREATE! - M.J., Lima, Ohio

CHECK YOUR LIGHTS

Dear Heloise: Many times, I see cars with only one headlight. To check my headlights, I pull in front of a large glass window and check out all the headlights. This also can be done for taillights, but I must look over my shoulder. - Sandy in Indiana

IT'S A RING THING

Dear Readers: To get a ring to fit comfortably on the finger, it should slide over the knuckle and yet fit close enough to not slip off the hand under normal wear.
A tapered band should fit your true size. A ring that is one-quarter of an inch or wider might be too snug. You may need to go up a half size. - Heloise

POWDER POWER

Dear Heloise: I want my fragrances to match, but the lotions, sprays, soaps and powders can get expensive. I mix cornstarch with my fragranced powder 50/50, and this works well. - Helen T. in San Antonio

BETTER BATHROOM

Dear Heloise: I live alone, and one thing I was concerned about was cleaning my shower stall. My daughter gave me those socks with the treads on them that the hospital gives you. They are perfect - no slipping.
Also, I take a cotton ball and spray some cologne on it and place it in a hiding place in the bathroom. Each time I clean the bathroom, I spray the cotton ball. It always smells nice. - A.C. Smith, Hagerstown, Md.

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