Deep fried turkey is a food favorite in the Southern U.S. In the past couple of years more people have started to prepare their turkey this way, especially during the holiday season.

Deep fryers are extremely dangerous. If you choose to prepare your holiday turkey this way, remember these risks:

Hazards:

• Deep fryers tip easily, spilling up to 5 gallons of hot oil.
• If the cooking pot is overfilled with oil when you place the turkey in it the oil will spill out of the pot. The oil can then ignite the entire unit turning it into a fire.
• Without a thermostat control the unit may overheat the oil and combust, causing a fire.
• The deep fryer becomes extremely hot. It will severely burn your hands if you do not use well insulated, oven mitts and / or potholders.

If you choose to use a deep fryer to prepare your holiday meal remember these safety tips.

Safety Tips:

1. Only use a deep fryer outside of the home, a safe distance from any type of building structure.
2. Never use a deep fryer in the garage
3. Never place or use a deep fryer on a wooden deck.
4. Never leave the fryer unattended.
5. Never overfill the fryer with oil. This will cause it to spill over when you place the turkey into it.
6. Never drop the turkey into the fryer, this will cause the oil to splatter and possibly burn you.
7. Never use water on a grease fire.
8. Keep all children and pets away from the fryer.
9. Lower the turkey slowly into fryer to prevent the oil from spilling over.
10. Position the fryer away from all flammable material.
11. Position the fryer on a flat stable surface.
12. Always use insulated oven mitts / potholders while handing the fryer.
13. Have an all purpose fire extinguisher on hand in case of an emergency.
14. Make sure that the turkey is completely thawed before placing it into the oil (remember water and oil do not mix).
15. Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes.
16. Wear long sleeve shirt and pants to cover your arms and legs.
17. Remember – the oil in the fryer will remain extremely hot for hours after you have finished using it. Clean your fryer only after it has cooled down and it is safe, to do so.
18. Turn the flame off while placing and removing the turkey from the fryer (in case the oil spills over it will not start a fire)

Before you use any type of cooking appliance remember to read all instructions and follow all directions from the manufacturer on the proper use of their product.

First Aid Tips For Burns:  

• Call 911, follow the instructions from the operator and await trained professional fire and medical assistance.
• Remove yourself and anyone else who might be in danger away from the fire.

• In the event that your clothes catch on fire (stop, drop, and roll) this will help extinguish the fire.
• If clothes are not, adherent to the wound area, remove them.
• Place a cool wet (clean) towel over the area that is burned.
• If a blister formation appears, DO NOT break them.
• Keep the patient as warm as possible.
• Never use home remedies or ointments to treat a burn.

In case of a fire or if medical assistance is needed call 911, follow the instructions from the operator and await trained professional assistance.