Rob Coppola Senior Account Executive – Construction Insurance Practice Group View Bio

Did you know that home cooking fires are three times more likely to happen on Thanksgiving Day than any other day besides Christmas? While preparing your Thanksgiving turkey in a turkey fryer can be a fun tradition, it’s important to keep cooking safety measures in mind to protect yourself, your guests, and your home.

Don’t let your next holiday gathering become another statistic. Use this guidance to ensure your safety and enjoy a stress-free Thanksgiving.

Turkey Fryer Safety Tips

  • Stay in the area where you are cooking. Leaving the turkey unattended may cause the fryer to overheat, resulting in a fire.
  • Use your turkey fryer on a level surface. Anything that might cause the fryer to tip over may result in a hot oil spill.
  • Thaw your turkey before cooking. Water from a still-frozen turkey can cause the oil to bubble or splash over the pot.
  • Keep small children and animals away from the fryer while it is in use. There is a great risk that a child or pet could run into the fryer, knocking it down and causing serious injury. A safe distance of three to 10 feet away is recommended.
  • Have safety equipment ready. Use oven mitts, goggles and an apron while cooking. Have a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergency, and keep flammable items away from the fryer.
  • Keep it Outdoors. For your safety, only use a turkey fryer outside and away from your home. Never use a turkey fryer in a garage or on a porch. Also, be sure to keep some distance between yourself and the fryer as you monitor it—you wouldn’t want to accidentally get splashed with hot oil.

Kitchen Safety Tips

  • Make sure your smoke alarms are working.
  • Stay in the kitchen when food is cooking on the stovetop.
  • Keep children and pets away from the oven.
  • Don’t leave your home when the turkey is in the oven and check on it frequently.
  • Keep the floor clear of toys and other objects that can be tripped over.

For more home safety guidance and homeowners insurance solutions, contact your account manager.

 

 

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional advice. © 2018, 2021 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.