Frying your turkey this Thanksgiving? Here are some tips to prevent a cooking fire
Are you planning on frying your turkey this Thanksgiving?
According to the U.S. Fire Administration and Erie Insurance, the November holiday is the peak day for home cooking fires, with turkey fryers as a big contributor.
The agencies offered up some tips below.
-Start with buying the right size bird, which is usually 12 to 14 pounds.
-Follow the thawing process.
-Proper placement is key: Put propane fryers outside, on a level spot, far from your house and other structures.
-Make sure to have a "3-foot kid- and pet-free zone" around your turkey fryer to protect against burn injuries.
-Indoor fryers are still best used outdoors, on a porch or patio within reach of an electrical outlet.
-A partially frozen turkey will cause hot oil to splatter. Make sure your turkey is completely thawed before you fry it.
-Do NOT overfill the fryer. Turkey fryers can easily tip over spilling hot oil across a large area. Determine the correct amount of oil needed by first placing the turkey in the pot with water.
-Turkey fryers can easily overheat and start a fire. Check the temperature often with a cooking thermometer so the oil won't overheat.
When you are cooking:
-Go slowly
-Stay close
-Turkey fryers can easily overheat and start a fire. Check the temperature often with a cooking thermometer so the oil won't overheat.
-Be ready with an all-purpose, dry-powder fire extinguisher just in case
-Never use water on a grease fire
-The pot, lid and handles of a turkey fryer can get dangerously hot and cause burn injuries. Use long cooking gloves that protect hands and arms when you handle these items.
