Tips to Stay Safe While Frying a Turkey!
By: Lisa Mendenhall
Updated: November 20, 2012
Some thanksgiving chefs are looking to fry up a bird this year.
It's a popular cooking method, and faster than the oven, but it can also be very dangerous.
Before you start cooking, read these tips from the Washington County Sheriff's Office.
Use extreme caution when using turkey fryers. If you absolutely must use a turkey fryer, here are some tips for safer use:
- Turkey fryers should always be used outdoors, located a safe distance from buildings and any other flammable materials.
- Never use turkey fryers on wooden decks or in garages.
- Make sure the fryers are used on a flat surface to reduce accidental tipping.
- Never leave the fryer unattended. Most units do not have thermostat controls. If you don't watch the fryer carefully, the oil will continue to heat until it catches fire.
- Never let children or pets near the fryer when in use. After use, continue to exercise extreme caution as the oil inside the cooking pot can remain dangerously hot for hours. It is best to keep children and pets away until the oil has been discarded completely.
- To avoid oil spillover, do not overfill the fryer.
- Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching pot or lid handles. If possible, 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 don't mix and water can cause oil to spill over, starting a fire or even an explosion hazard.
- The National Turkey Federation recommends refrigerator thawing and to allow approximately 24 hours for every five pounds of bird thawed in the refrigerator.
While following these safety tips, a person should also have a fire extinguisher close by in case there's a fire (NEVER USE WATER TO EXTINGUISH AN OIL FIRE). If the fire increases, immediately call the fire department for help.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Fire Marshal Dennis Ledbetter or Asst. Fire Marshal Tyler McCartney with the Washington County Sheriff's Office Fire Marshal Department at (479) 444-1723.
