Halloween has come and gone in the blink of eye. Time to set our sights on what's ahead: backyard Turkey-Day deep frying!
The delicious deep-fried turkey has quickly grown in popularity for Thanksgiving, but safety experts are concerned that backyard chefs may be sacrificing fire safety for good taste.
If you will be using a turkey fryer, please use the following tips:
• Turkey fryers should always be used outdoors a safe distance from buildings and any other flammable materials.
• Never use turkey fryers in a garage or on a wooden deck.
• 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 do not watch the fryer carefully, the oil will continue to heat until it catches fire.
• Never let children or pets near the fryer even if it is not in use. The oil inside the cooking pot can remain dangerously hot hours after use.
• 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.
• Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire.
If the fire is manageable, use your all-purpose fire extinguisher. If the fire increases, immediately call the fire department for help.