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. 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. Make sure the turkey is completely thawed. “More often than not, (immersing a frozen turkey whole into a hot fryer) displaces an equal amount of extremely hot oil, injuring those nearby and possibly igniting the entire fryer in a ball of flame by the burner below,” said Acting State Fire Marshal and Division of Fire Safety Director William Kramer Jr. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire. Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby. If the fire is manageable, use your xtinguisher. If the fire increases, immediately call the fire department for help. And, keep in mind: The fryer lid and the handles can become dangerously hot, posing a severe burn hazard. Turkey fryers typically have no thermostatic control, so the threat of overheating the oil within is ever-present. Many units can easily tip over.
Posted on: Wed, 26 Nov 2014 01:17:10 +0000