Fire Department Offers Turkey Day Safety Tips
The Newport Beach Fire Department is offering Thanksgiving safety tips — particularly for those foodies who feel the urge to deep fry their birds this Thursday.
The tips include:
* Use your fryer outdoors only, a safe distance away from buildings and not on a wooden deck.
* Use the fryers on a stable, flat surface.
* Remember that most fryers don’t have thermostat controls, so never leave it unattended or the oil could heat until it catches fire.
* Never allow children or pets near the fryer, even after the turkey is done. The oil will remain hot for hours after use.
* Do not overfill the fryer, and use potholders or mitts when touching the lid.
* Consider safety goggles to protect yourself from oil splatter, particularly if you’ve used a marinade. Water and oil could create an explosion hazard.
Jennifer Schulz, a fire department spokeswoman, said that Newport Beach has been lucky over the years not to have a turkey fryer mishap. But, she said, there typically are about 4,300 fires in the United States on Thanksgiving day, causing 15 fatalities, about 50 injuries, and nearly $27 million in property damage.
Turkey fryers are not the only safety concern, she said. Cooks should be careful in the kitchen, using basic safety measures like keeping pot handles turned inward and making sure their ovens are clean. Don’t wear dangling clothing that could catch fire, don’t leave cooking unattended and keep children out of the kitchen.
Also, make sure you have fire extinguishers on hand, and be careful with decorative candles. And if you have overnight guests, it’s always a good idea to remind them of a fire escape plan and meeting place, Schulz said.
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