We’ve finally gotten over winter’s misery but are now being reminded about summer storm preparedness. Here are a few tips from the American Bankers Association to keep in mind:

Assemble an emergency kit, which should include first-aid supplies, a flashlight, extra batteries, 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.

Develop a family 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 confusion.

Before a big storm such as a hurricane, you could contact the 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 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.

Question: My husband and I are selling our home, and the buyer is requesting the removal of the oil tank in our basement. We switched to gas a few years ago. Do you have any advice for how we should go about having the tank removed? The oil was siphoned out but I don’t know if it is 100 percent clean and dry. In other words, I don’t know if it would be a big mess if we call a scrap metal guy to come cut it up.

ANSWER: The solution is much easier than if the tank were one of those buried in the yard, because all sorts of environmental regulations kick in, and for good reason, since having fuel oil leaking into the groundwater is very bad.

In your case, you should contact the nearest company that deals in removing basement tanks. The company will ensure that all the sludge is cleanly and safely removed before the tank is sliced up, and will carefully dispose of any remaining fuel and the tank as well. By the way, since the landscape is shifting to a seller’s market, and the removal of the tank is something that the buyer wants, talk to your agent about splitting the cost.