The holidays are here, which means families are getting ready to fill their plates with turkey. Holiday meal preparation also comes with risks, especially when frying a turkey. Turkey fryer fires are, unfortunately, a common occurrence during the holidays. If you plan to fry a turkey in the upcoming weeks, here are a few tips from American Restoration to keep you and your family safe from fire damage this holiday season.
Cooking causes 49% of all house fires, most of which occur during the holidays, especially on Thanksgiving. If you and your family have a tradition of frying the holiday bird, it’s important to keep a few things in mind, as deep frying a turkey is much riskier than roasting one.
- Head Outside: Turkey fryers belong outside. The best place is on a sturdy, level surface that isn’t near anything that could catch fire. These types of fryers can easily tip and spill hot oil everywhere.
- A Thawed Turkey is a Happy Turkey: It is imperative to thaw the turkey completely before frying it. If it is not thawed before you fry it, the extra moisture and water can cause the oil to splatter.
- Don’t Overfill the Pot: When it comes to filling the pot with oil, err on the side of caution. It is better to add more oil than to dip the turkey in and have the pot spill over with hot oil.
- Keep an Eye on the Temperature: Be mindful of the temperature at which you are cooking your turkey. If it gets too hot too quickly, it can easily cause a fryer fire. Use a cooking thermostat to help keep a consistent temperature.
- Stay Focused: Distractions are the number one cause of cooking fires. When frying your turkey, focus on the task at hand. Ask for help when needed, and don’t leave the turkey unattended.
- Be Prepared and Protect Yourself: Protect your exposed skin from hot oil or surfaces. Also, be aware of what you have around the fryer. Don’t leave your apron or any towels near the heat source.
As you can see, there are many steps to ensure you fry your turkey safely this holiday season. Even when you follow all suggestions, accidents can still happen. It’s a great idea always to be prepared. If you have questions about fire safety or experience fire damage to your home during the holidays, reach out to the experts at American Restoration in Albuquerque! Our team is here for you every step of the way.
