Turkey Fryer Safety

News Release
A Public Service Announcement from Bend Fire & Rescue

11/22/11 For Immediate Release

For More Information: Jeff Bond – Deputy Fire Marshal
Phone: 541-322-6384

Turkey Fryer Safety
It’s that time of year to dust off the turkey fryer or, for first-timers, to give deep frying a turkey a try. Every year at this time however there are tragic events where people are badly injured or homes damaged or lost due to turkey fryer accidents. Did you know that Underwriter’s Laboratories, who tests consumer products for safety and whose labels you find on most products, will not certify turkey fryers? The potential for catastrophic accidents is just too great, according to their findings: (http://ul.com/global/eng/pages/corporate/newsroom/storyideas/turkeyfryers/) But, turkey fryers are still available and used by millions of consumers. Here we will give some tips on how to more safely use turkey fryers, should you choose to do so.

• Always use your turkey fryer outdoors and on a non-combustible, stable surface (concrete, gravel, asphalt, etc). Never use on a wood deck.
• Always follow the manufactures warnings and instructions.
• The turkey fryer should be attended at all times by an adult. Keep children and pets away from the fryer.
• Have a fire extinguisher close by in case of fire and never use water to extinguish a grease fire, as this could cause a steam explosion and spread the fire.
• CALL 9-1-1 IMMEDIATELY if a fire occurs.
• Only fill the pot with enough oil to cover the turkey completely with 1 inch of oil above the turkey. This will help prevent splashing and spilling. (TIP: Put the turkey in the pot before cooking and fill the pot with water until the turkey is covered with 1 inch of water, then remove the turkey, mark the level of the water at that point. This will give you the depth of oil you should add later for the cooking.)
• Always fully thaw and dry the turkey before frying. Any water on the turkey could cause splashing of the oil as it reacts to the water.
• Always lower the turkey into the fryer slowly. DO NOT DROP!
• Monitor the oil temperature closely to prevent the oil from becoming too hot. Oil can catch fire if heated above recommended cooking temperatures.
• When the turkey frying is complete, allow plenty of time for the fryer to cool down before moving and disposing of the used oil.