Watch what you heat The National Fire Protection Association and fire departments across North America observe Fire Prevention Week each October to mark the anniversary of the 1871 Great Chicago Fire and raise public awareness of fire safety. This year's theme is "Watch What You Heat." Each year, more than 100,000 home fires involve cooking equipment. The main cause? Not paying attention. Kitchens are the number one place for home fires to start. Kitchen safety tips: -- Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, broiling, or boiling food. If you must leave the room for even a short time, turn off the stove. -- When you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, stay in the home, and use a timer. -- When finished cooking, turn off all burners and ovens. For a copy of the NFPA brochure, "Watch What You Heat," please contact the UND Safety and Security Office with your name and address. It will be mailed via campus mail. Other topics in the brochure include microwaves, grease fires, oven fires, burn protection, and countertop safety. Additional information is available at www.firepreventionweek.org . -- Tim Lee, Fire Stafety and Security Coordinator, 777-3655, timlee@mail.und.edu .