The Flag to Raise in the Case of an Emergency

The Road Help Emergency Flag is a handy item for motorists. Bright red with white letters, the nylon flag reads “Send Help” on one side, “Disabled Vehicle” on the other.

It folds up to fit in a 3 1/4-inch square pouch that can be easily stored in a car’s glove compartment. Unfolded, the flag is 30 1/2 inches long and 13 1/2 inches wide; it fits over the car’s side window. Weights at the bottom hold it in place.

The Road Help flag ($5.95, including shipping and handling) can be ordered from Berk International, P.O. Box 5294, Garden Grove, Calif. 92645; (714) 898-8648.

Alternative to Plastic and Paper Is in the Bag

Re-Use-Niks are the latest line of reusable cotton bags offered as alternatives to plastics and paper. Not only does the Los Angeles manufacturer of Re-Use-Niks make a grocery tote, but a garment bag and a lunch bag as well.

The Clothes-Nik ($25) is designed with a drawstring at the bottom so you can take dirty clothes to the dry cleaners or laundry, then return with clean ones in the same bag. The Clothes-Nik has a zipper down the front, just like a regular garment bag.

The Lunch-Nik ($11) eliminates the need for the traditional brown paper bag and is ideal for anyone who takes a lunch to school or work. The Shop-Nik ($14) can be used for hauling groceries, baby accessories, gym clothes and more. Each off-white bag is made of 100% cotton and is machine washable.

In the Los Angeles area, all three bags are available at the Earth Store in Westwood, Salutations in Brentwood and Celebrate Life in Pasadena. If you can’t find them in your area, you can order them from Jane Wyler, 989 Moraga Drive, Los Angeles, Calif. 90049; (213) 472-7472. A set of the three bags costs $50, plus $3.50 for shipping and handling.

Engineering an Open Door Policy for Pets

The Pet Screen Door is an easy way to give your pet access to the outdoors. The 8-by-10-inch door mounts directly into the screening of a door or window and can accommodate cats or dogs up to 30 pounds.

Made of durable, lightweight plastic, the pet door can be installed in a few minutes, its developers say, by using only a knife and a hammer. It works with either metal or fiber screening. Once in place, pre-installed magnets prevent the door from swinging open in a strong breeze; security locks may be closed from the inside.

Pet Screen Door (suggested retail, $29.95, including shipping and handling) is available in pet and hardware stores nationally. Or contact Borwick Innovations, P.O. Box 30345, Santa Barbara, Calif. 93130; (800) 365-5657.