Firefighters Ask: Your Turkey or Your Life?
A longtime favorite in the southern United States, deep-fried turkey has grown increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to celebrity chefs.
What television chefs won't mention though, is the significant danger associated with deep-fat turkey fryers.
After watching the video, you'll understand why Los Angeles Firefighters want you to think long and hard before frying a turkey. Without proper planning, your tasty meal could end in disaster.
The Los Angeles Fire Department is joined by safety experts from Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in reminding you never to sacrifice safety when preparing meals.
"We're worried by the increasing reports of fires related with turkey fryer use," says John Drengenberg, UL consumer affairs manager. "Based on our test findings, the fryers used to produce those great-tasting birds are not worth the risks. And, as a result of these tests, UL has decided not to certify any turkey fryers with our trusted UL Mark."
Why a turkey fryer can be dangerous:
- Many units easily tip over, spilling hot cooking oil over a large area.
- If the cooking pot is overfilled, or a partially frozen turkey is used, hot and flammable cooking oil will spill.
- Even a small amount of cooking oil coming into contact with the burner can cause a large fire.
- With no thermostat controls, the deep fryers have the 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.
- Turkey fryers should always be used outdoors, on a solid level surface a safe distance from buildings and flammable materials.
- Never use a turkey fryer on a wooden deck, under a patio cover, in a garage or any enclosed space.
- Remember that overfilling the fryer will lead to danger.
- Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching pot or lid handles. Wear long sleeves and safety goggles to protect you from oil splatter.
- Make sure the turkey is completely thawed. The National Turkey Federation recommends refrigerator thawing and to allow approximately 24 hours for every five pounds of bird.
- Be careful with marinades. Remember that oil and water don't mix. Even a small amount of moisture can cause oil to spill over, leading to a fire or explosion hazard.
- Never leave the fryer unattended. Frying a turkey requires full-time adult attention.
- Never let children or pets near the fryer when in use. Even hours after use, the oil inside can remain dangerously hot.
- Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby, and know its proper use and limitations. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire!
- If a turkey fryer fire occurs, have some immediately call 9-1-1.
- Use your best judgement. If the fire is manageable and you can do so safely, use the all-purpose fire extinguisher.
Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department
6 comments:
Dear Friends of the LAFD,
We're pleased this blog post and video have encouraged discussion about fried turkey, a tasty treat enjoyed by many Americans, including firefighters and their families.
Please understand our emphasis is that frying a turkey *can* be dangerous.
Our advisory is offered to remind everyone, especially first-time turkey fryers, that planning and preparedness are always key to having a safe, tasty and uneventful meal - regardless of how it is prepared.
As mentioned earlier...
The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department encourage you to always cook with care!
Respectfully Yours in Safety and Service,
Brian Humphrey
Firefighter/Specialist
Public Service Officer
Los Angeles Fire Department
I have been deep frying my turkeys for years without incident, but this I have found a new way to deep fry turkey while bringing the chance of incident down to nearly nothing. I am now deep frying without oil. A couple months ago I was at Costco and found something called The Big Easy from Char Broil. It claimed it could deep fry a turkey without oil. I figured I would give it a try since Char Broil is a respected brand, and also I knew I could return it to Costco if it didn't work as promised. It worked beautifully. The taste was exactly as if I had deep fried it in the peanut oil. The only issue I had was that it takes almost three times as long, 8-10 minutes a pound as opposed to a little over 3 minutes a pound with oil. But with the Big Easy I don't have to deal with the clean up after, I don't have to worry about disposing of the oil, and while it wasn't cheap, I will make my money back after 4 uses because of what I will save on not buying the peanut oil, which I has gone up a lot over the last few years.
Another advantage of this unit is you can put a rub on your turkey and have it be there when you are done cooking it.
I highly recommend this product, Costco has a unit that holds up to 25 lb bird, and you can get one that holds a 16 lb bird from other places.
This is why I always wear the turnouts I nipped from the LAFD when I was a reporter to deep-fry my turkey.
@joshua,
Thanks for the reminder that there are many ways to prepare a holiday feast - and all of them require forethought.
@anonymous 9:57,
...and all this time I thought there was a turnout (firefighter protective apparel) wearing reporter that shared my name! :)
Kidding - and turnout gear aside, those who prepare a meal among steaming water and boiling grease, should be sober, attentive and 'optimally' attired.
A non-synthetic apron and long sleeve shirt, as well as insulated oven mitts are the minimum attire in many of our households, and we hope yours as well.
Please have a safe and happy Thanksgiving Day!
Respectfully Yours in Safety and Service,
Brian Humphrey
Firefighter/Specialist
Public Service Officer
Los Angeles Fire Department
I would not fry a turkey with anything less than a 20 lb (preferably 30 lb) BC extinguisher on hand.
Chris S
Chris S,
Thanks for the note that again reminds our readers that a fire extinguisher should be part of your safe cooking arsenal.
Respectfully Yours in Safety and Service,
Brian Humphrey
Firefighter/Specialist
Public Service Officer
Los Angeles Fire Department
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