Frying turkey presents fire, burn hazards

The videos are all over the Internet and news programs as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches ... the exploding turkeys and the devastating damages caused.

In order to help prevent that same damage from happening this year, Kansas State Fire Marshal Dan McLaughlin is urging all families to be careful in the kitchen and be extremely cautious if using a turkey fryer.

Turkey fryers are becoming more and more popular due to the reduced time it takes to cook a turkey compared to conventional ovens. McLaughlin would like to remind everyone that these turkey fryers present some distinct fire hazards:

* Units easily tip over, spilling the hot oil

* Partially frozen turkeys will splatter and could cause an explosive fire

* With no thermostat controls, the oil can overheat to the point of combustion

* Units get dangerously hot, posing severe burns

* Units are heated over open flames, and oil splatter can ignite the flames

Because of the numerous safety hazards to consumers, Underwriters Laboratories have the following statement posted on their Web site, "Based on our test findings, the fryers used to produce those great-tasting birds are not worth the risks. And, as a result of these tests, UL has decided not to certify any turkey fryers with our trusted UL Mark."

Consumers may find packaging of units that display other independent testing labels; however the Kansas State Fire Marshal's Office continues to believe to believe that these units are not safe for private use.

If families must use a turkey fryer, the first step in preventing a fire from a turkey fryer is proper placement of the unit.

"Unfortunately turkey fryers are typically used in the garage or on the decks attached to the house. This is extremely unsafe," McLaughlin said.

Turkey fryers should always be used on a flat, non-combustible surface, outside and away from the house or other buildings, never use a turkey fryer on a wooden deck or in the garage.

Additional cooking safety measures include:

* Never leave the cooking or frying unattended

* use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching any pot or lid

* Never allow children or pets around the stove or fryer

* Never use water to extinguish a grease fire