Safety Tips If You Plan To Deep Fry Your Turkey

We can’t believe that it’s already Thanksgiving time again! If you are like many people, turkey will be on the menu this Thursday. More and more, we are seeing that people are deep frying their turkeys. If you are among those who are considering this method of cooking, we have a few tips to help you reduce your risk of a deep-fryer-related fire.
- Make sure the bird is properly thawed. Putting a partly frozen or wet bird into hot oil will cause spattering or a spill, possibly causing severe burns or a fire.
- Don’t fill the oil too full. Turkeys can displace a lot of oil. Hot oil reacts like gasoline when it touches an open flame – so don’t overfill that tank!
- Take your time. Make sure the fryer is level as you slowly lower the turkey into the hot oil. Believe it or not, not everyone remembers to pick a good level spot.
- Keep a fire extinguisher at hand. If there is a fire, never use a garden hose because water feeds an oil fire. Having a fire extinguisher there with you is a smart move.
- Give yourself some space. Keeping the fryer away from your home is your safest bet. Covered patios or decks are not safe locations either!
- Don’t allow children or pets near the fryer. They can easily knock the fryer over and severe burns will be the result. This also applies to after you are done cooking as the oil cools off.
- Read he manufacturer’s instructions before you begin. We know, we know, this step is totally boring, but it could save your home.
At Martin Insurance Agency, we want you to have a safe and happy Thanksgiving! Happy holiday everyone!