5 Steps to Safely Deep Frying a Turkey for Thanksgiving

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Next week is Thanksgiving and we would like to remind you of the importance of fire safety, especially in performing that special technique of deep fried turkey. Here are some basic safety tips from the department to help keep you and your family safe:

1. If you are planning on frying your turkey this year, prepare in advance, and use proper equipment. Use a specially designed outdoor cooker/deep fryer with a perforated basket insert. The cooking pot should be ten gallon or more capacity and stand three feet high, hooked up to a propane gas cylinder. The propane cylinder must be separated by a minimum of two feet from the fryer. Read and follow the manufacturer's directions and safety instructions. Place the fryer on a flat and level surface. Be aware of your clothing around the hot oil, which can spatter, and the open flame, which could ignite clothing. Roll sleeves up and tuck away loose clothing. Be sure you are strong enough to lower the turkey into, and lift it from, the 350-degree oil safely.

2. Keep heated items (hot oil and propane cooker) away from anything that can burn. The entire area for at least 10 feet in all directions must be fireproof. Never deep fry a turkey indoors, in a garage, on a porch, on a deck, or in any other structure attached to a building. Keep children and pets away from the cooking area. Never leave the hot oil unattended. The deep-fryer unit should be positioned so wind will direct the heat away from the gas cylinder, people, and structures.

3. Watch what you heat and cook. Deep fryers must always be attended during cooking. Never use a frozen turkey because the ice crystals can cause it to "explode" when it comes in contact with hot oil. Oil should not be allowed to go over 350 degrees; oil can ignite at 375 degrees. Allow oil to cool completely before disposing or storing. Never cover the deep fryer because this could cause overheating, or boiling over of the hot oil. Should a fire start, clear all people from the area and call 911.

4. Recycle that oil. Cooking oil can be recycled at recycling centers or household hazardous waste sites. These facilities will usually accept up to five gallons of cooking oil per resident per day during their regular hours of operation.

5. Enjoy your turkey when you're done.