Dangers of Deep Frying a Turkey for Thanksgiving

Deep-frying turkeys has become an increasingly popular cooking method when preparing holiday feasts, Fairfax County notes. While fried turkey may be a tasty addition to your meal, cooking with deep-fat turkey fryers can be a recipe for disaster, the county warns.

Actor William Shatner knows firsthand how dangerous turkey fryers can be—so do the firefighters with the Illinois Fire Service, who staged some of the common mistakes, with explosive results.

Video: Turkey Fryer Fire Demonstration

They have a high risk of tipping over, overheating or spilling hot oil — which can lead to fires, burns and other injuries. So, before you try your hand at deep-frying that turkey, the Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends the following safety guidelines including:

• Make sure there is at least 2 feet of space between the liquid propane tank and fryer burner.
• Place the liquid propane gas tank and fryer so that any wind blows the heat of the fryer away from the gas tank.
• Completely thaw and dry the turkey before cooking.
• Never use a turkey fryer in, on or under a garage, breezeway, porch or any structure that can catch fire.
• Raise and lower food slowly to reduce splatter and avoid burns.
• Cover bare skin when adding or removing food.
• If oil begins to smoke, immediately turn off gas supply.
• If a fire occurs, call 9-1-1. Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires.

For a safer alternative to deep-frying your bird, consider using an outdoor turkey cooking appliance that does not require oil.

Reprinted from the Individual and Community Preparedness e-Brief, Nov. 27 edition, from FEMA

Video: Turkey Fryer Fire Demonstration