Safe Turkey Frying 101

Thanksgiving is right around the corner and thoughts of family gathered around the dining room table loaded with delicious food enter our minds.  One of the traditional foods enjoyed on Thanksgiving  is the turkey.  In the past, turkeys were cooked in the traditional method, which is by roasting in the oven.  However, today another method of cooking turkeys is increasing in popularity and that method is deep frying.

Unfortunately along with the method’s rise in popularity, comes a rise in safety concerns, as well.  According to the National Fire Protection Association, fires caused by outdoor gas-fueled fryers are responsible for five deaths, 60 injuries, the destruction of 900 homes and more than $15 million in property damage each year.

When frying a turkey, the safety tips listed below will keep turkey frying tasty and accident free:

  • Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and dry before cooking in hot oil.
  • The turkey fryer needs to be in an open area away from any structures or trees that could catch fire.
  • Make sure there is at lest two feet of distance between the propane bottle and the fryer.
  • The fryer should be positioned so that any wind will blow the heat away from the propane tank.
  • Make sure the pot is centered over the burner.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on both the proper amount of oil to use and the temperature of the oil.
  • The oil temperature needs to be checked frequently.  If smoke is rising from the fryer, this means the oil is overheated and the fryer needs to be turned off immediately.
  • Arms, hands, feet and legs need to to be covered in case of oil splatters to avoid burns.
  • Call 911 if the oil in the fryer catches on fire.  Do not attempt to extinguish an oil fire with water, as the fire could spread.

Just remember to follow these safety tips and you and your family will safely enjoy a delicious fried turkey this Thanksgiving.

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