USFA Warns Of Deep Frying Dangers, Offer Thanksgiving Safety Tips

The peak day for home cooking fires is Thanksgiving Day, according to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA). Overall, cooking is the leading cause of fires in the home.

The USFA says deep frying turkeys can be particularly dangerous. It says turkey fryers can tip over easily and spill hot oil over large areas, and an overfilled pot can spill easily once a turkey is placed inside. Additionally, turkey fryers can easily overheat and start a fire, and a partially frozen turkey can cause hot oil to splatter, according to the USFA. The fryer’s pot, lid and handles also can get dangerously hot, leading to the cook suffering dangerous burns.

Below is a video on deep fryer safety. Additionally, the USFA provided the following tips to stay safe on Thanksgiving:

• Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen, turn off the burner.
• Watch what you are cooking. Fires start when the heat is too high. If you see any smoke or the grease starts to boil, turn the burner off.
• If you simmer, bake, or roast food, check it regularly and use a timer to remind you.
• Keep anything that can catch fire (oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packages, towels, and curtains) away from your stovetop.
• Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove. Then, no one can bump them or pull them over.
• Keep a pan lid or baking sheet nearby. Use it to cover the pan if it catches fire. This will put the fire out.
• In the event of an oven fire, turn off the oven and keep the door closed until it is cool.
• Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot, and kids should stay three feet away.
• Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.

The attached image was provided