USE CAUTION WITH TURKEY FRYERS

Contact: Steve Holmes
(334) 240-0434

11/21/2016

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Contact: Steve Holmes                                                                FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Phone:334-241-4166                                                                                    Date: 11/21/16

Email: Stephen.holmes@insurance.alabama.gov

Website: www.firemarshal.alabama.gov

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Turkey Fryers Pose Serious Fire Dangers

 

As turkey fryers that use oil become more popular, thenumber of turkey fryer fires has increased significantly. Many fire officialsagree that the dangers associated with deep-frying a turkey aren’t worth therisk, even by a well-informed and cautious user.

  • Many units easily tip over, spilling the hot oil from the cooking pot.
  • If the cooking pot is overfilled with oil, the oil may spill out of the unit when the turkey is placed into the cooking pot. Oil may hit the burner or flames, causing a fire to engulf the entire unit.
  • Partially frozen turkeys placed into the fryer can cause a spillover effect. This too may result in an extensive fire.
  • With no thermostat controls, the units also have the potential to overheat the oil to the point of combustion.
  • The lid and handles on the sides of the cooking pot get dangerously hot, posing severe burn hazards.

 

TheAlabama State Fire Marshal’s Office advises against using a turkey fryer. Ifyou decide to do it anyway, consider these precautions. Always use fryersoutdoors, on a solid level surface away from buildings and flammable materials.Never use a fryer on a wooden deck, under apatio cover, in a garage or enclosed space.

 

Do notoverfill the fryer. Never leave the fryer unattended because, withoutthermostat controls, the oil will continue to heat until it catches fire. Neverlet children or pets near the fryer when in use or after use as the oil canremain hot for hours. Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts and wear longsleeves and safety goggles to protect from splatter. Make sure the turkey iscompletely thawed before it is placed in a fryer.

 

If oilbegins to smoke, immediately turn the gas supply off. If a fire is manageable,use an all-purpose fire extinguisher. Neveruse water to extinguish a grease fire if thefire increases, immediately call the fire department for help.

 

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