Prevent a Turkey Fryer Fire
If severe bodily injury and property damage from flammable cooking oil and an open flame is not enough to deter you from ultimate kitchen dominance with a perfectly moist and tender deep-fried turkey, then please follow the guidance below provided by the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA)1:
- Turkey fryers should always be used a safe distance from buildings and any other flammable materials outdoors.
- Never use turkey fryers in a garage or on a wooden deck.
- Watch the weather. Never operate a fryer outdoors in the rain or snow.
- Make sure the fryers are used on a flat surface to reduce accidental tipping.
- Turn off the burner before lowering the turkey into the oil. Once the turkey is submerged, turn the burner on.
- Never leave the fryer unattended. Most units do not have thermostat controls. If you do not watch the fryer carefully, the oil will continue to heat until it catches fire.
- Never let children or pets near the fryer even if it is not in use. The oil inside the cooking pot can remain dangerously hot hours after use.
- To avoid oil spillover, do not overfill the fryer. Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching pot or lid handles.
- Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from oil splatter.
- Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and be careful with marinades. Oil and water do not mix, and water causes oil to spill over, causing a fire or even an explosion hazard.
- Keep an “ABC” fire extinguisher nearby. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire. If the fire is manageable, use your all-purpose fire extinguisher. If the fire increases, immediately call the fire department for help.
References
- https://www.dhs.gov/blog/2010/11/24/thanksgiving-safety-tips-us-fire-administration-usfa
