One plump turkey, copious amounts of cooking oil and a propane stove…A recipe for disaster or a delicious holiday meal of gratitude? It all depends on you! As the number of people deep frying the Thanksgiving bird increase so too the number of home fires and casualties increase on Thanksgiving. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, as many as half of the home fires on Thanksgiving result from accidents while deep frying. By following some simple safety tips, you can decrease your chance of an accident.
Be Safe Not Sorry
- Keep your fryer outdoors away from buildings and out of the elements. Rain or snow striking superheated cooking oil can cause a release of steam or a splattering of grease; either can cause severe burns.
- Never place your fryer on a wooden deck, under a patio cover, in a garage or enclosed space or near flammable materials.
- Find a safe spot and stay there! Moving extremely hot oil can be extremely dangerous and let it cool thoroughly before draining – oil will retain heat for a long while.
- Keep pets and children far away from the frying while cooking and for several hours after
- Consider using a turkey fryer with a built in thermostat – cooking oil can catch fire if it is overheated.
- Follow the rules! Most fryers have specific guidelines about how much oil to use. Follow them strictly.
- Don’t forget to thaw! A frozen bird can cause an oil spillover from your cooker. The National Turkey Federation recommends that you thaw your turkey in the refrigerator, allowing approximately 24 hours for each five pounds. Give yourself plenty of time
- Turn off the fuel when adding your turkey to the oil! This is a critical step that will save you a lot of trouble. If the oil bubbles over while adding the turkey, the propane flame can catch fire.
- Use well insulated potholders or oven mitts while cooking. Safety goggles, though silly looking, are another great idea to protect from splatter.
- Keep your fire extinguisher nearby and at the ready. If a fire breaks out, call 911 immediately.
Penny Insurance wishes you and your family a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday. And remember, if you get into trouble, give us a call.