Editor’s note: The ‘Word the the Wise’ will be an ongoing regular tip of the week in which safety statements are provided by experts in their respective fields.

“According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking is the lead cause of home fires and home-fire injuries followed by fires caused by heating equipment. U.S Fire Departments responded to 156,600 cooking related fires between 2007-2011 which resulted in 400 deaths and more than 5,000 injuries according to the NFPA. Purchase either a multi-purpose fire extinguisher or a Class K fire extinguisher to place in your kitchen pantry for use when needed. You can obtain directions on how to use a fire extinguisher of any type at www.usa.fema.gov under Home Fire Prevention located under the Citizens tab.”

-— Mike Grillo, Fire Technology