How to Safely Deep Fry Your Thanksgiving Turkey

Do you deep fry your turkey?  Before deep-frying your turkey, read these safety tips from the U.S. Fire Administration:

• Use turkey fryers outdoors a safe distance from buildings and any other combustible materials.
• Never use turkey fryers in a garage or on a wooden deck.
• Make sure fryers are used on a flat surface to reduce accidental tipping.
• Never leave the fryer unattended. Most units do not have thermostat controls. If you do not watch the fryer carefully, the oil will continue to heat until it catches fire.
• Never let children or pets near the fryer, even if it is not in use. The oil inside the cooking pot can remain dangerously hot hours after use.
• To avoid oil spillover, do not overfill the fryer.
• Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching pot or lid handles. If possible, wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from oil splatter.
• Make sure the turkey is completely thawed, and be careful with marinades. Oil and water do not mix; water causes oil to spill over, causing a fire or even [becoming] an explosion hazard.
• The National Turkey Federation recommends thawing the turkey in the refrigerator approximately 24 hours for every five pounds in weight.
• Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire. If the fire is manageable, use your all-purpose fire extinguisher. If the fire increases, immediately call the fire department for help.

Remember, cooking oil doesn’t go down the drain.  Recycle your used cooking oil by calling the following disposal companies listed here. You can also call around to local restaurants, who may accept used cooking oil.

--From the Monrovia City Manager's weekly report.