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How to Safely Deep Fry a Turkey Outside This Thanksgiving
November 7, 2024
There are typically two times more housefires on Thanksgiving than the next closest day of the year, and deep-fried turkey fires account for over $15 million dollars in property damage each year. Here’s how to safely deep fry a turkey outside this Thanksgiving.
Choose the Right Location
One of the most important decisions you’ll make while deep frying a turkey is where to set up the deep fryer. You should never use deep fryers in garages, on wooden decks, near houses or other structures, or near trees. You’ll also want to make sure to place and keep the fryer on a level, stable surface with at least two feet between the burner and the tank.
Stay Vigilant Throughout the Cooking Process
At no point during the cooking process should you ever leave the fryer unattended. Keep an eye out for any smoke and turn off the fryer immediately if you see smoke or smell something acrid, as cooking oil that is heated beyond its smoke point can catch fire. You’ll also want to make sure that children and pets are nowhere near the fryer, as this can lead to very serious burns.
Be Prepared with Safety Gear
Especially when you’re putting the bird in the fryer or removing it, make sure that you’re wearing protective eyewear and well-designed oven mitts. You’ll also want to have a temperature gauge, a grease-rated fire extinguisher, a large container of baking soda, and a metal cover or cookie sheet nearby.
Know How to Put Out a Grease Fire
You should never try to put out a grease fire with water. Instead, turn off the heat source and immediately slide a metal lid or cookie sheet across the top of the pan to smother the flames. If the fire isn’t out of control, you can pour a large amount of baking soda (not flour or baking powder!) onto the fire. As a last resort, you can also use a Class B, BC, or ABC Fire Extinguisher.
Remember, your safety is important! If you cannot safely put the fire out, call 911 and move to safety.
Know How to Use a Fire Extinguisher
It’s safest to put the fire out by covering it with a pan or cookie sheet, but if you do need to use a fire extinguisher to put out a grease fire, follow these instructions:
- Make Sure You’re Standing About 5 Feet from the Fire
- Pull the Pin on the Extinguisher with The Nozzle Facing Away From You
- Aim at the Base of the Fire
- Sweep the Nozzle from Side to Side
Thoroughly Follow Instructions
There are certain preparations that can prevent deep fried turkey fires and injuries. For example, you’ll want to make sure to thoroughly thaw and dry the turkey inside and out, remove excess fat, and make small incisions under the turkey’s neck, wings, and legs for better oil drainage. You’ll also want to do a test run with water to best determine how much oil you need so you don’t overfill the fryer.
Now that you know how to safely deep fry a turkey outside, it’s time to make sure you have adequate Homeowners insurance coverage. Did you know that Grange Insurance Association has been named one of America’s Best Insurance Companies for three years in a row? Contact your independent insurance agent today to learn more about our insurance options in California, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming. In the meantime, check out our helpful insurance blog, where we cover everything from holiday home safety tips to how to prevent dryer fires.
The content available via Grange.com is for informational purposes only and may not be used for any other purpose. Content provided or expressed on Grange.com, including that of third parties, may not reflect Grange Insurance Association’s (GIA) policies or conform to any agreement you may have with GIA and its subsidiary companies. Please contact a licensed insurance agent to obtain particular advice.
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