Dangers of Deep Frying a Turkey Near You

11/17/2021 (Permalink)

Have Fire Damage, Smoke Damage, or Soot Damage? Call SERVPRO of Dane County West Today (608) 497-3331

Five Dangers of Deep Frying a Turkey

1. Turkey Fryers can easily tip over, spilling hot cooking oil over a large area.
2. An overfilled cooking pot will cause cooking oil to spill when the turkey is submerged, and a partially frozen turkey will cause cooking oil to splatter when put in the frying pot.
3. Even a small amount of cooking oil spilling on a hot burner can ignite a fire.
4. Without thermostat controls, deep fryers can overheat oil to the point of starting a fire. 
5. The sides of the cooking pot, lid, and pot handles can get dangerously hot. 

In the Dane County, WI, area, there are more cooking fires on Thanksgiving and Christmas than any other day of the year. More than a third of the fires start in a garage or patio. Each year, fire departments respond to more than 1,000 fires related to deep fryers. Those fires cause serious burn injuries and more than $15 million in property damage.*

The deep-fried turkey is a delicious way to cook a turkey. However, it can be risky—numerous hazards come with cooking a turkey in a deep fryer. However, if you choose to deep fry your turkey this Thanksgiving, there are a few precautions you can take to protect yourself:

Turkey Frying Safety Tips

1. Isolate the fryer. 

• Fryers should always be used outdoors, on a level surface at a safe distance from buildings and flammable materials.
• Never leave the fryer unattended.
• Keep all-purpose fire extinguishers nearby.
• Never let children or pets near the fryer when used or after use as the oil can remain hot for hours. 

1. Plan Ahead: Make sure the turkey is completely thawed before deep frying. A frozen or partially thawed turkey could explode or splatter, launching oil on those near the deep fryer.
2. Wear protective clothing. Wear flame-retardant clothing, well-insulated potholders, oven mitts or gloves, and eye protection to protect from splatter.
3. Use proper equipment. Make sure your equipment is functioning appropriately.

If the unthinkable happens and a fire strikes, give the experts at SERVPRO of Dane County West a call. As a locally owned and operated company, we also live and work in the Dane County, WI area. We have helped many families through difficult fire losses and have restored fire-damaged houses to homes again. We'll help make it "Like it never even happened." 

SERVPRO of Dane County West Professionals understands the trauma that follows a fire loss. When fire damage takes control of your life, we are Here to Help® and will assist you in every step of the cleanup, restoration, and rebuild process. SERVPRO of Dane County West professionals has the training and expertise to help make it “Like it never even happened.”®

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• IICRC Certified Firm
• A+ rating from the BBB (Better Business Bureau)
• Google, and Facebook recommended with 5 star ratings
• General Contractor License #: 1317784
• SERVPRO works with your insurance to help manage the insurance process and paperwork for a stress-free claims process.

Fire Damage Tips

Have  Fire Damage, Smoke Damage, or Soot Damage? Call SERVPRO of Dane County West Today (608) 497-3331

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*Source: Morrow & Sheppard, LLP blog