As Thanksgiving approaches in Savannah, GA, many families look forward to festive meals that include deep-fried turkey—a delicious tradition that can unfortunately come with significant risks. Without proper safety measures, using a turkey fryer can lead to severe accidents, including fires and injuries.
This article will provide essential turkey fryer safety tips to help you enjoy Thanksgiving Day without incident. We’ll also discuss how ServiceMaster of Savannah can assist with fire damage restoration and smoke damage cleanup should any issues arise.
ServiceMaster of Savannah is a trusted name in fire and smoke damage cleanup and restoration in Savannah, GA, and nearby areas. To request an estimate, call (912) 244-6966 or contact us online.
Turkey fryers use a substantial amount of boiling oil, which poses several risks. If the fryer lacks temperature controls, cooking oil can overheat and ignite. Spilling hot oil during insertion or removal of the turkey can cause severe burns. In addition, hot oil can also spill when fryers are improperly positioned or unstable.
To ensure your holiday meal doesn’t turn into a fire call, follow these eight crucial safety tips:
#1: Choose the correct location.
Always use your turkey fryer outdoors on a flat, stable surface far away from buildings and flammable materials. Never use a turkey fryer in a garage or on a wooden deck.
#2: Prepare the turkey properly.
Thoroughly thaw your turkey before frying; ice on the bird can cause oil to splatter or overflow. Also, make sure your turkey is dry and not waterlogged, as water will cause the oil to bubble up and potentially overflow.
#3: Measure oil correctly.
To prevent overflows, measure the oil level properly before heating. Place the turkey in the fryer, fill it with water until the turkey is covered, then remove the turkey and note the water level. This is the amount of oil you should use.
#4: Avoid overheating.
Use fryers with built-in temperature controls to prevent the oil from overheating and igniting. If your fryer does not have temperature controls, closely monitor the oil temperature with a cooking thermometer.
#5: Use safety gear.
Always wear protective gear when operating the fryer, including gloves, long sleeves, and eye protection to guard against oil splatters.
#6: Never leave the fryer unattended.
Always keep an eye on the fryer when it’s in use. Most units do not have thermostat controls, and unattended oil can heat to the point of combustion.
#7: Be prepared for emergencies.
Keep a fire extinguisher suited for grease fires (Class K) nearby. Do not use water to put out an oil fire, as it can cause the oil to spread and make the fire worse.
#8: Practice proper setup and usage.
Ensure the fryer is on a level surface; never move it once it’s in use. Slowly lower the turkey into the oil to avoid spills, and monitor the situation until the cooking is complete.
After cooking, allow the oil to cool completely before disposing of it or storing the fryer. This can take several hours.
Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration Company in Savannah, GA
Despite precautions, accidents can happen. If a fire occurs, evacuate the area immediately and call 911. Once the fire is handled and everyone is safe, contact ServiceMaster of Savannah for fire damage restoration and smoke damage cleanup in Savannah, GA. Our experienced team will help restore your property to its pre-damage condition and get your life back to normal.
Call ServiceMaster of Savannah today at (912) 244-6966 or message us online. We can answer your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Have a happy Thanksgiving!
