Dear Heloise: I’ve found a way to drain the liquid from canned tuna without using the metal lid to do it. Simply empty the tuna into a strainer or sieve and press down while holding it over the drain of the kitchen sink. It works like a charm without waisting any tuna and or making a mess! I hope this helps someone. — Irene, in New York

EMERGENCY CALLS

Dear Heloise: We have a daughter with special needs who is in a group home. There are emergency calls for her that could come from any cellphone, so we tell all caregivers (in case they don’t know) to call twice.

In addition, cellphones provide a “Do Not Disturb” function that is turned on at night, and the second call overrides this function. — Ken G., Prescott, Arizona

THANK-YOU NOTES

Dear Heloise: We recently gave wedding gifts to two couples in their 30s. Months have gone by, and no thank-you notes have arrived. We also sent a check to a graduating high school senior, and again, no thank-you note was sent. Is this now a trend? It saddens me that our gifts were not recognized. Is etiquette going out the window? — Peg E., via email

DISHWASHER HINT

Dear Heloise: People often mention how they can’t remember if the dishes in the dishwasher are clean or not. But here’s an easy fix: Each time the clean dishes are put away, put in the soap pod and close the compartment that holds it in. If it is closed, it means: “Yep, you can add dirty dishes.” If it is open, it means: “Please put these dishes away.” Open is clean, while closed is dirty. (This is submitted by a 75-year-old woman with lots of practice.) — Cas Rifkin, via email

STORING PET FOOD IN THE TRUNK

Dear Heloise: I live in a small apartment, and there simply isn’t enough storage. However, I have two cats, and I also feed about six feral cats. So, it makes sense to buy the larger 15-pound bags of cat food. I usually get two at a time, and I store them in the trunk of my car, off to the side. I’ve been doing this for about three years now, and I never have a problem with mice invading my car, despite what my friends think. — T.W., in South Carolina

GRILLING SAFETY

Dear Readers: Without fail, every summer, I get letters from readers who love to barbecue, but something goes wrong — or someone gets burnt. Please always have a small extinguisher handy, or at least a pail of water within reach. No floppy sleeves either! Be sure to keep children away from the grill and handle all grilling utensils carefully.

I’ve gotten numerous letters from people who have accidently stabbed themselves with a grilling fork or knife. — Heloise

BOX-FAN HACK

Dear Heloise: Will you please tell your many readers who may not have central air conditioning and depend on portable fans, such as box fans, about this old-fashioned trick? To maximize the cooling effects of the fan, wet and wring out a large towel and hang it in front of the fan. The air will be much cooler as it blows through the towel. — L.S., via email

Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.