Giving Thanks, While Being Safe |
By Firefighter/Fire Police Officer Sean Barron | |
November 25, 2013 | |
Thanksgiving is upon us once again and it's our job to remind you to be safe in the kitchen. Thanksgiving day is the peak day for home cooking fires with three times as many as the average day. A popular method of cooking the bird is with a fryer. The NFPA discourages the use of outdoor gas-fueled turkey fryers that immerse the turkey in hot oil. These turkey fryers use a substantial quantity of cooking oil at high temperatures, and units currently available for home use pose a significant danger that hot oil will be released at some point during the cooking process. The use of turkey fryers by consumers can lead to devastating burns, other injuries and the destruction of property. NFPA urges those who prefer fried turkey to seek out professional establishments, such as grocery stores, specialty food retailers, and restaurants for the preparation of the dish, or consider a new type of "oil-less" turkey fryer." Hot oil may splash or spill at any point during the cooking process, when the fryer is jarred or tipped over, the turkey is placed in the fryer or removed, or the turkey is moved from the fryer to the table. Any contact between hot oil and skin could result in serious injury. Any contact between hot oil and nonmetallic materials could lead to serious damage. NFPA continues to believe that turkey fryers that use oil, as currently designed, are not suitable for acceptably safe use by even a well-informed and careful consumer. Consumers may find packaging of turkey fryers displaying independent product safety testing labels. NFPA is familiar with the details of these test standards and does not believe that they are sufficiently comprehensive regarding the different ways in which serious harm can occur, and, in some cases, regarding the different parts of the turkey fryer that need to be tested. Please be the example of safety in your home this year by following some of these suggested ideas and have a great Thanksgiving Holiday! |
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Hyperlinks: | National Fire Protection Association Safety in the Kitchen How NOT to fry turkeys |
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