Prevent Your Thanksgiving Dinner from Going Up In Flames

11/7/2018 (Permalink)

Photo courtesy of Isaac Wedin

As Thanksgiving approaches we are all getting excited about the holiday season. Thanksgiving helps us remember to be thankful for the blessings that we’ve received. One blessing in particular is easy to be thankful for: the delicious turkey that is part of this fall tradition. The turkey is the crown jewel of any Thanksgiving meal and the challenge of cooking the bird to perfection is part of the glory. However, as you consider how you might cook your turkey this year, keep safety in mind.

Turkey fryers are a popular method as they provide a quicker alternative to roasting your bird for hours in the oven, and a tasty result. However, turkey fryer fires are exceedingly common and we here at SERVPRO of Charlottesville want to help you understand the dangers and how to avoid disasters when it comes to fryer protocol.

Let’s talk about set up first. You need to completely thaw your turkey. Any ice, or crystals left inside a not-quite-thawed turkey will spark and splatter when they touch the hot oil which can quickly cause a fire. While your bird is thawing, you will want to choose an adequate spot for your fryer. It should be outside and well away from your home or any other flammable materials. This spot should also be sturdy and level. Unfortunately, the design of turkey fryers is top heavy and as such they can easily topple over and start a fire. To help reduce your fryer’s temptation to nose dive, place it on a level surface.

Once your fryer is set up, gather a few precautionary materials. You will definitely want a fire extinguisher handy. Pouring water on a grease fire will only expand the fire, so you will need a fire extinguisher that is up to date and ready for use. Additionally, you should grab a few pot holders to protect your hands and arms from contact burns with the fryer. Inside the fryer itself you should be using a high-quality oil with a high smoke point. To fry the turkey properly, this oil needs to be extremely hot and this oil will help prevent flare-ups and reduce fire hazards.

As you fry your turkey there are only a few things left to remember. Be aware of how much oil you need, overfilling the oil can add an extra risk that it will spill, overflow or splatter, causing a fire. Check the weather and be aware of precipitation as snow or rain coming into contact with the oil can cause splattering. The fryer should never be left unattended so have at least two people designated to keep an eye on the turkey. This practice is helpful in case there is an accident, you will have two pairs of hands ready to jump into action. You’ll also want to keep any children and pets away from the fryer. This suggestion may sound obvious, especially after I’ve just explained all the ways that a turkey fryer can cause small explosions. But it’s important to make sure that children understand the danger that this appliance represents and pets can easily be drawn towards the tantalizing smell.

Lastly, if you haven’t used a turkey fryer before, it’s a great idea to test your process. Thanksgiving can be a joyous but also stressful day. If part of the frying process takes longer than you anticipate, it’s tempting to cut corners to make sure dinner is served on time. Practice your frying skills to minimize any surprises and practice your safety measures. Let’s be honest, your family won’t complain about having deep fried turkey twice in one month.