DON’T LET YOUR THANKSGIVING GO AFOWL

A popular item at holiday time is the propane turkey fryer. While readily available and inexpensive, they can be unsafe, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL). The NFPA discourages the use of turkey fryers containing oil except by properly trained professionals using professional grade equipment. Similar outdoor units without oil have been available for a while and should be considered as an alternative to the fryers containing oil.

Since deep fried turkey is a longtime favorite food, especially in the southern United States, people will continue to use the deep fryers. Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue will demonstrate proper safety measures for those who choose this method.

Wearing full protective gear, firefighters will also demonstrate the consequences of improper use, resulting in a spillover of hot oil and potential fire. Consumer grade turkey fryers use a substantial quantity of cooking oil at high temperatures and pose a significant danger. Additionally, the oil remains hot for hours after the unit is turned off. The use of turkey fryers by consumers can lead to devastating burns, other injuries and the destruction of property. The NFPA suggests that those who prefer deep fried turkey purchase it cooked from a grocer, food retailer or restaurant that prepares them using professional grade equipment.

Thanksgiving is the top day for cooking fires to happen. According to a recent report published by the U. S. Fire Administration, an estimated 2,000 Thanksgiving Day fires in residential buildings occur annually in the U. S. By far, the leading cause of Thanksgiving Day fires in residential buildings is cooking. These fires occur most frequently between noon and 4 p.m.