Turkeys shouldn't be terrifying

11/17/2020 (Permalink)

Turkey Fryer Fire

The Thanksgiving holiday should be a day of relaxation and great food, but sometimes preparing that big bird can turn into a disaster very quickly. Deep frying turkeys have recently become an increasingly popular way to cook that grand meal but come with an increased likelihood of injury and destruction.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, deep fryers cause more than $15 million in property damage each year. It’s important to carefully examine the risks of using a deep fryer to cook a turkey, and know some of the main causes of these accidents.

1. As the turkey is placed in the hot oil, the oil can spill over.
2. Fryers can easily be tipped over.
3. Most fryers do not have an automatic thermostat control, therefore the oil can overheat and combust.
4. One of the United States' top safety consulting companies refuse to safety certify any turkey fryers due to the increasing numbers of fires and burn injuries related to their use.

While these all seem scary, there are many ways to still get that crisp turkey skin while keeping yourself, others, and structures safe.

Never use a fryer in a garage! Always use the fryer outdoors and away from flammable materials and structures. Never leave the fryer unattended, and keep children away from the fryer even if it’s not in use. Make sure that the turkey is completely thawed before lowering it into the oil. It’s imperative that you keep a fire extinguisher nearby, and never use water to put out a grease fire.

All of the team members here at SERVPRO of Broome County, Tompkins & Tioga Counties and SERVPRO of Elmira/Chemung and Watkins Glen/Schuyler Counties want to keep you safe during the holiday seasons and are here for you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Give us a call at 607-722-2262.