Deep-fry the bird, don’t deep-fry your bod Published Nov. 15, 2007 By From the 319th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Fall is here, and Thanksgiving is rapidly approaching. Thanksgiving is time for families and friends to enjoy and celebrate the holiday over dinner. While some people rave about a deep-fried turkey, Underwriters Laboratories Inc.'s safety experts are concerned that backyard chefs may be sacrificing safety for good taste. Here are some easy tips that may protect you and your family from injury or loss of property. Using a deep-fryer can be dangerous: · Fryers can easily tip over, spilling hot oil. · 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 and flames causing a fire to engulf the entire unit. · Partially frozen turkeys placed into the fryer can cause oil spillage. This too, can result in an extensive fire. · No thermostat controls; 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. Cooking tips: · Follow your fryers' instructions. · Only deep fry smaller turkeys, no larger then 12 pounds. · Use oils with high smoke points, such as peanut, canola and safflower. · Remember that it can take anywhere from 20 minutes to one hour to fully heat the oil, depending on weather conditions. · Thoroughly pat the turkey with a paper towel, to reduce splattering. · Slowly lower the turkey into the oil. Keep the turkey at 350 degrees, and fry the turkey for four minutes per pound. Safety tips for using a turkey fryer: · Turkey fryers should always be used outdoors no closer than 15 feet from buildings or any other material that can burn. · Do not use turkey fryers on decks or in garages. · Reduce accidental tipping by placing fryer on a flat surface. · Do not leave the fryer unattended. Fryers without thermostat controls could continue to heat until it catches fire. · Do not allow children or pets near the fryer. The oil inside the cooking pot can remain dangerously hot, hours after use. · Do not overfill the fryer. · Use insulated potholders or oven mitts when handling the pot or lid handles. · Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from oil splatter. · Only place completely thawed turkeys into the pot 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. · Ensure an all-purpose fire extinguisher is nearby. Do not use a water to extinguish grease fires. Use your best judgment when attempting to fight a fire, only fight fires if you have a safe escape route. If the fire increases, immediately call 911 for help, or even call if you were successful in extinguishing the fire. In order to stay safe while using your turkey fryer, follow the above rules and use common sense. Above all, have a happy and safe Thanksgiving.