Staff report
Raleigh, NC — With Thanksgiving fast approaching, State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor is urging North Carolina residents to prioritize safety when preparing holiday meals, particularly when using turkey fryers.
“Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones, but it’s important to be mindful of the potential risks that come with holiday cooking,” Taylor stated. “Deep-frying turkeys can be dangerous if not done properly, leading to serious burns and house fires. We want everyone to enjoy the season safely.”
Turkey Fryer Safety Tips
State Fire Marshal Taylor highlighted the following precautions to reduce the risks associated with turkey fryers:
- Choose the Right Location: Use your fryer outdoors on a flat, non-flammable surface, away from your home, decks, and overhangs.
- Avoid Overfilling: Overfilling the fryer with oil can cause it to spill over when the turkey is submerged, potentially sparking a fire.
- Thaw Completely: Ensure the turkey is fully thawed, as water and oil can cause dangerous splattering and ignition.
- Keep a Fire Extinguisher Handy: Have a multipurpose fire extinguisher on hand, and never use water to extinguish an oil fire.
Taylor also suggested safer alternatives to traditional fryers, such as oven-roasting, grilling, or using electric fryers with built-in safety features. “Oven-roasting or grilling offers the same delicious results without the elevated risk,” he added.
Cooking-related fires peak during the holidays, with Thanksgiving being the leading day for home cooking fires in the U.S. Taylor emphasized the importance of taking safety precautions to prevent accidents and ensure a joyous holiday season for all.
For more information and fire safety tips, visit the [North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal’s website](Cooking | OSFM).
Author: staff report
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