Dear Heloise: I’m reading the warnings on my hair dryer. Some of these may seem obvious, but they are good safety hints: The manufacturer recommends unplugging the dryer after each use and not placing it where it can fall into the tub, toilet or sink. Don’t use it while bathing or near water at all. If the dryer happens to fall into water, unplug it right away; never reach into the water.

The filter of the dryer can also get clogged. If it’s not blowing hot air, turn the unit off. Let the unit cool completely, then clean the lint filter. There may be a red “reset” button on the plug; press it and plug the hair dryer back in. It should work perfectly.

— Anne, in Texas

Anne, great safety hints! The special plug on a hair dryer is called an appliance leakage current interrupter (ALCI), and it’s designed to help prevent electrical shock. It works together with the GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) outlet.

P.S. Always read appliance safety manuals to get the full scoop.

— Heloise

GOT “SKUNKED”

Dear Heloise: My dog got “skunked.” What should I do?

— A Reader, via email

Reader, don’t panic. A skunk’s smell is foul, but it’s fixable. First, rinse your dog’s eyes with fresh water. (A turkey baster works well.) Then mix together 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide with 1/4 cup of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of liquid soap. Rub this into the dog’s coat gently but thoroughly (don’t wet the dog first) and let sit for 5 minutes, then rinse. Repeat if necessary.

— Heloise

SEAT BELT PROTOCOL

Dear Readers: Of course you know that you should wear your seat belt, but you should also make sure that it fits correctly. Here are some hints from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

The belt portion should be close-fitting across your lap, and the shoulder strap should be snug across your chest. Don’t tuck the shoulder strap behind your back as this can harm you in a crash, and you may get a ticket for wearing it this way.

Sit up tall with your back touching the seat and your feet flat on the floor.

The airbag is a supplemental restraint, not a replacement for a seat belt.

Wear your seat belt always, even for quick trips. Accidents and injuries don’t just happen on the highway.

By law, children who are younger than 12 must ride in the back seat and be restrained.

Visit NHTSA.gov for more information.

— Heloise

JEWELRY HINT

Dear Heloise: Please remind readers to occasionally check the prongs on their rings. I have a beautiful 2 1/2 carat diamond that I could have lost if I had not examined my ring. A prong had broken off, and two prongs were turned sideways. If my diamond had fallen out, I’d be in tears. This caused me to examine the rest of my jewelry, and I found a pearl necklace that needed to be restrung.

— Claudia, in South Carolina

Send a great hint to Heloise@Heloise.com.