Nashville firefighters are warning cooks about the dangers of frying a turkey improperly over the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, Thanksgiving is a peak day for home cooking fires.
Fire officials remind people to always fry a turkey outside and away from any overhangs or awnings. The United States Fire Administration reports some of the most common mistakes made when frying turkeys:
- Turkey fryers can easily tip over, spilling hot oil. Make sure your turkey fryer is on a sturdy, level surface.
- An overfilled cooking pot will also cause oil to spill over. Make sure you're putting in the correct amount of cooking oil needed by placing the turkey in the pot with water, first.
- A partially frozen turkey will cause oil to splatter. Make sure your turkey is completely thawed.
- Turkey fryers can easily overheat and start a fire. Check the temperature often.
