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In the News -
November 2007
Plenty of care required for turkey frying
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. -
Deep-frying a turkey can be dangerous, if the equipment is misused or left
unattended, says Lisa Gilmore, a Garland County agent for the University of
Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. Here are some of the reasons to be
cautious.
- Many units easily tip over, spilling the 5 gallons of hot oil
within the cooking pot.
- If the cooking pot is over-filled with oil, the oil may spill out
of the unit when the turkey is placed into the cooking pot. Oil may hit the
burner/flames, causing a fire to engulf the entire unit.
- Partially frozen turkeys placed into the fryer can cause a
spillover. 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 sides of the cooking pot, lid and pot handles get dangerously
hot, posing severe burn hazards.
If you use a
turkey fryer, here are some tips from the National Fire Protection Association:
- Turkey fryers should always be used outdoors a safe distance from
buildings and any other material that can burn.
- Never use turkey fryers on wooden decks or in garages.
- Make sure the fryers are used on a flat surface to reduce
accidental tipping.
- Never leave the fryer unattended. Most units do not have
thermostat controls. If you don’t watch the fryer carefully, the oil will
continue to heat until it catches fire.
- Never let children or pets near the fryer when in use. Even after
use, never allow children or pets near the turkey fryer. The oil inside the
cooking pot can remain dangerously hot hours after use.
- To avoid oil spillover, do not overfill fryer.
- Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching pot or
lid handles. If possible, wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from oil
splatter.
- Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and be careful with
marinades. Oil and water don’t mix, and water causes oil to spill over causing a
fire or even an explosion hazard.
- The National Turkey Federation recommends refrigerator thawing and
to allow about 24 hours for every 5 pounds of bird thawed in the refrigerator.
- Keep an all purpose fire extinguisher nearby. Never use water to
extinguish a grease fire. Remember to use your best judgment when attempting to
fight a fire. If the fire is manageable, use an all-purpose fire extinguisher.
If the fire increases, immediately call 911 for help.
The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the U of A
Division of Agriculture.
November 16, 2007
Media Contact: Lamar James
Extension Communications Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2187 or (501) 753-0207
ljames@uaex.edu
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