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 ROAD for the typical motorist, from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (www.nhtsa.gov):

* Always 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. — Heloise

BUCKET LIST

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

WATER WASTER

Dear Heloise: Last month, my water bill was through the roof. Shocked, I contacted my water company. They told me to check for a leaky toilet or sprinkler system.

Another source of dollars down the drain, according to the water company? Pump- and valve-containing units, such as the water softener and the swimming pool. The company has an online video that helped me figure out what was leaking. — John T. in Texas

John, 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. — Heloise

PAJAMA POCKET PLUS

Dear Heloise: Why do the people who make ladies pajamas not always attach a pocket on every pair? We all need a tissue sometimes! I read your hints in the Bluefield (W.Va.) Daily Telegraph and find them useful. — Edna M., Peterstown, W.Va.

ROACHES RUNNING ­RAMPANT

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

Hailey, 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. — Heloise

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Hints from Heloise run occasionally in Lifestyles. Readers may send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE, or email: Heloise@Heloise.com. Letters won’t be answered personally.