News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Many families will be frying turkeys during the next 24 hours, but how can you make sure you’re doing it safely.
Algood Fire Chief David Judd said cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and injuries during the Thanksgiving Holiday. Judd said following basic fire and cooking safety tips can keep your family safe.
“Frozen water will react with the hot oil and cause a boil over that will come in contact with the flame,” Judd said. “Do not overfill your turkey fryer pot, make sure there is enough room in the pot where the oil can rise with the added weight of the turkey without spilling oil.”
Judd said citizens should only attempt to deep fry smaller turkeys that are up to 12 pounds. Judd said do not allow children or pets near the fire used to fry the turkey. He said it is always important to keep the fire in sight.
Judd said to not fry a turkey on top of a deck or in a cupboard space in case of an accident. Judd said if an accident were to happen, a first would be easier to spread in either of these two locations.
“This is a busy time of year,” Judd said. “Simple things like kids grabbing a hold of a hot utensil, so it may not be just a fire-related call that we are responding to. It may come out as a medical call.”
Judd said to keep anything flammable such as wooden utensils, kitchen rags, and plastic wrappings away from your stove top.
“As long as it is practiced safely, by all means, fry your turkey,” Judd said.
