Your Place: Make preparations now in case storms strike

We've barely gotten over winter's misery and already are being reminded about hurricane preparedness. Yet the season officially started June 1, so perhaps a few tips from the American Bankers Association are in order:

Assemble an emergency kit, which should include first-aid supplies, a flashlight, extra batteries, at least three days of nonperishable food and water, towels, and a supply of necessary medications.

Stay informed of a storm's path and progress by monitoring Wireless Emergency Alerts by text message and having a battery-powered radio or TV available.

Develop a family communications plan. Know how you will contact one another; how you will get back together, if separated; and what you will do in different situations. Having a plan can eliminate stress and confusion.

Before a storm, contact your local American Red Cross to locate the shelter nearest you, or download its "Shelter Finder App." Identify the safest route to get there, and be sure to check whether your local emergency shelter allows animals.

Secure your home. Outdoor furniture and other objects can pose a potential hazard. Turn off propane tanks and other utilities as instructed by emergency personnel.

Protect financial documents. In the event of a disaster, you will need identification and financial documents to begin the recovery process. Safeguard important documents in a bank safe- deposit box, on computer storage devices (USB drive, CD/DVD), and/or waterproof containers.

Question: We installed a glass shower enclosure two years ago. Cleaning water spots from the glass is next to impossible.

I accidentally tried a white eraser sponge, and it did the trick. I have been monitoring it for about a month and was wondering if the eraser might abrade the glass, but I don't see any change.

Answer: I'd think you would notice something after a month.

In the winter, I used Lime-Away, following the usual precautions (gloves, mask, ventilation), and the clear glass that resulted has endured with an occasional spray of window cleaner.

Until then, we'd been considering a new shower enclosure.