Cook Thanksgiving turkey safely Published Nov. 26, 2014 By Maj. Isaac Hipple 14th Flying Training Wing Safety COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- What could be worse than dry turkey on Thanksgiving? Yet many of us still endure dried out turkey every year. How do you change that? Well some would say to create the succulent savory sections of a turkey you absolutely must fry your turkey. However, with any turkey frying event there can be a few associated hazards and burning down your house right before the in-laws arrive could be worse than a few pieces of dry turkey. The National Fire Protection Association says deep fryer fires result in more than $15 million in property damage each year and hot oil splatter can cause serious burns to an adult or life threatening injuries to a child. So how do you achieve the delicious dinner without destroying your domicile? Here are a few tips to flavorful fowl without the fire. If you buy a frozen turkey, always thaw it completely before frying. This usually takes four to five days in the refrigerator. Don't thaw it on the counter or at room temperature to avoid contamination. If you can buy fresh turkey that is even better as it introduces a smaller amount of ice or water into the hot oil of your fryer. Never overfill the fryer with oil. Overfilling can lead to oil spills that when combined with an open flame could cause an oil fire. Use appropriate tools to lower the bird carefully into the fryer. These usually come with your turkey fryer kit. You can also fill the fryer with cold oil and lower the turkey into it to adjust the oil level and avoid spillage prior to frying. Always fry your turkey outside, away from structures and overhangs and avoid frying on decks and patios. Most decks and patios have flammable material such as wood or plastics that easily catch fire and cause even more problems. Ensure the flame is turned off once you are ready to place the turkey into the fryer. This will ensure that if there is any spill, it will not ignite when it comes in contact with the flame. Never try to extinguish a fire with ice or water as this will only increase the fire hazard. Keeping a fire extinguisher approved for cooking or grease fire nearby is a good technique in case of fire during your culinary craft. Although there are some things to avoid when frying a turkey, the process of frying can create that crisp outer skin and choice cuts of turkey. And now you are ready to impress the in-laws with your creative culinary capabilities and place a platter of plump portions on their plates. Remember to be safe and give our fire department a break and take turkey fryer fires off the table this Thanksgiving.
