What’s Thanksgiving without a plump and juicy fried turkey? It’s a staple of the Thanksgiving dinner table for countless families in Louisiana and throughout the U.S., but experts warn that frying turkeys can put homes, people, and pets in significant danger.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that fire departments responded to around 1,760 home cooking fires nationwide on Thanksgiving Day in 2015. In addition, Thanksgiving is regarded as the peak day for all home cooking fires annually. In fact, the NFPA discourages the use of outdoor gas-fueled turkey fryers, which work by immersing the birds in hot oil.
Intent on Frying Your Turkey the Old-Fashioned Way? Here’s How to Do it Safely.
Despite the safety risks associated with turkey fryers, countless families will cook their birds the traditional way. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends following a few important tips to reduce dangers it may pose to your home and your loved ones:
- Watch the fryer closely. Fryers can cause fires in a matter of seconds. One of the biggest risks is due to oil overheating and splashing outside of fryers. Hot oil can ignite flammable materials if it comes into contact with them.
- Place the fryer away from walls, fences, porches, and other structures. To further reduce the risks associated with fryers, place them away from flammable objects or structures, including patios, porches, and decks.
- Turn off the fryer immediately if you see or smell smoke. Turkey fryers are designed to cook meat quickly, but they aren’t supposed to produce smoke. If you notice smoke, turn off the fryer right away, as that’s indicative of the cooking oil burning and the fryer overheating.
Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers wishes everyone in Baton Rouge and surrounding areas a safe and happy Thanksgiving.