Deep Fryers (Turkey Fryers)
The latest trend in preparing Thanksgiving turkeys is deep frying. However, deep fryers can be dangerous and should be used with extreme caution.
• Fryers should always be used outdoors and away from buildings and combustible materials.
• Never use fryers on wooden decks, under covered areas or in garages.
• Use fryers on a flat surface to prevent accidental tipping.
• Never leave fryers unattended. Most units do not have thermostat controls and will heat up the oil until it ignites.
• Never let children or pets near fryers. Even hours after use, the oil inside can remain dangerously hot.
• To avoid spill over and the resulting fire do not overfill the fryer.
• Remember “oil and water do not mix.” Make sure that the turkey is completely thawed. A frozen or moist turkey placed in hot oil will splatter violently and cause a fire or explosion hazard.
• Use well insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching pot or lid handles to avoid painful burns.
Extinguish small cooking fires successfully by taking the following steps:
• If a grease fire occurs on a pan on top of the stove carefully cover the pan with a lid and turn off the burner. Baking soda may also smother the fire.
• If an oven fire occurs turn the controls off and close the door tightly to smother the flames.
• Never use water to extinguish a grease fire. The flames will splatter burning you and/or spread the fire.
• Never transfer a burning pan from the stove to the sink or out of the building
• If a deep fryer occurs, have someone immediately call 9-1-1.
• Keep an all purpose fire extinguisher nearby and know its proper use and limitations. If the fire is large or appears to be growing do not attempt to extinguish it. Leave your home and call 9-1-1 from a cell phone or neighbor’s house.
For more information about cooking safety and other fire safety and injury prevention topics contact Douglas County Fire District No.2 Fire Prevention Bureau at 541-673-55503 or visit www.dcfd.org