Dear Heloise: We’ve had some heavy thunderstorms in my area of the country. My fiance and I were out on a golf course one time during a thunderstorm, and he ran toward a tree, thinking it was safe. I told him that this wasn’t a safe place to avoid lightning, so we made a dash for the clubhouse instead.

While I know standing under a tree isn’t safe when there’s lightning, are there any other special do’s and don’ts to know during an electrical storm? — Suzanna B., Overland Park, Kansas

Suzanna, yes, there are, according to the National Weather Service:

— Avoid talking on the telephone or any other electrical devices.

— Stay away from plumbing. No sinks, bathtubs, shower stalls or faucets.

— If you’re on the porch, go inside or get into a vehicle with a hard top.

— Stay away from windows and doors.

— You might want to unplug appliances if lightning is close to your home.

— Above all, stay alert and listen to weather warnings on a battery-powered radio. — Heloise

GIFT-GIVING

Dear Heloise: My neighbors just had a housewarming party, and they received a number of lovely gifts. But a week later, the hostess wrote me a very nice thank-you card. While vases and serving trays are always welcomed, she said that my gift had been the most useful. So, what did I get them? A hand truck! Sometimes called dollies, they’re used to carry heavy objects into the home or out of it. Hopefully, this will save them from back injuries.

As I walked around the hardware store, I realized that there are a lot of items people can use, but no one seems to think of them, such as large flashlights, security lights, motion detector lights, electric drills, hammers, shovels and much more. When someone moves from an apartment to a new home, they usually don’t have a number of these things that homeowners need. — Laura C.,  Durham, North Carolina

Laura, I like to give a gift card to a local home-improvement store to first-time homeowners. There are always tools that they’ll need and often don’t have. — Heloise

GROCERY SHOPPING HINTS

Dear Heloise: For the past 23 years, I’ve been shopping for groceries for my family, and there are a few hints I have for anyone who wishes to save money:

First, I use coupons whenever possible. I took my husband with me one time, and he said he was embarrassed to use coupons. He was a lot less embarrassed when he found out we saved $31 with those coupons!

Second, shop alone. Children will want items that they won’t miss if they’re not with you. This applies to your spouses, too. My husband always wants all the new ice cream flavors, so I leave him at home.

Third, don’t be afraid to give some of the generic brands or store brands a try. Some are good; some are not.

Fourth, before you decide to buy anything, ask yourself: “Do we/I really need/want that item?”

Finally, never shop when you’re hungry. Everything will look too good to resist. — Anna, in Virginia

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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.