Thanksgiving isn’t a holiday most people associate with burn injuries, apart from minor burns suffered while wrestling a just-out-of-the-oven butterball turkey onto a carving platter.
But the latest turkey-cooking craze using fryers poses fire and burn hazards - heightened by the fact that Thanksgiving often involves houses crowded with visiting relatives and active children.
A longtime food favorite in the southern United States, the delicious deep-fried turkey has quickly grown in popularity. Along with this popularity is a sharp rise in fires and fire related injuries associated with the deep fry cooking devices.
While some people rave about this tasty creation, the Southern Maryland Volunteer Firemen’s Association urges our citizens:
To use extreme caution and to be fully aware of the hazards that are associated with this type of cooking device.
Here are few Helpful hints when it comes to Turkey Frying.
NEVER...... Leave turkey fryers unattended.
NEVER...... Overfill the fryer. Spills can ignite nearby combustibles.
NEVER...... Heat oil above the recommended temperature. The oil could ignite if overheated.
TURKEY FRYER SAFETY
NEVER...... Move the fryer once it is in operation and several hours after to allow a cool down.
KEEP......... Fryers away from combustible materials. Do not use on wooden decks or in garages.
ALWAYS. Follow the fryer manufacturer’s recommendations for use.
ALWAYS. Use a thermometer to gauge food temperature.
ALWAYS. Keep children and pets away from the fryer during cooking and several hours after use.
ALWAYS. Thaw your turkey completely before placing it in the fryer. Water and oil do not mix.
ALWAYS. Make sure the oil is completely cooled before removing it from the fryer.
ALWAYS. Place fryers on a flat, stable surface. Spills could ignite nearby combustibles.
ALWAYS. Use turkey fryers outdoors.

In case of fire, immediately call 9-1-1
Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby
Never use water to extinguish a grease fire
Never try to fight the fire, get your family to a safe place and CALL 9-1-1 Remember to get out and stay out