(Photos Courtesy of Pa. Commonwealth Media Services)

(Harrisburg, Pa.) Many Thanksgiving home fires are due to deep-frying accidents. For some, deep frying a turkey can be a tasty alternative to the traditional oven-roasted method, but fryers pose significant risks to personal safety and property without the proper safety measures in place. Harrisburg Fire Chief Brian Enterline and his crew demonstrated what can happen when you put a frozen turkey in a deep fryer.

The Chief also offered tips to Pennsylvanians tips for keeping your family, guests, and property safe while cooking this Thanksgiving.
• read the turkey fryer owner’s manual thoroughly for proper set up and safety tips
• make sure the turkey is completely thawed before frying (hot oil and ice/water do not mix)
• use the correct amount of oil; overfilled fryers increase the likelihood of oil spilling out of the pot and hitting the burner causing flames to engulf the entire unit
• never leave the fryer unattended; many fryers lack thermostats to prevent overheating
• do not deep fry your turkey inside your garage, on your porch or deck, or inside your home
• have an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby; never use water to extinguish an oil fire
• keep children and pets away from all cooking surfaces
• use proper hand protection; lids and handles of the cooking pot get dangerously hot, posing severe burn hazards
• ensure full attention is dedicated to cooking; do not consume alcohol while cooking
Visit osfc.pa.gov/BeFireSafePA for more seasonal fire safety tips, and the turkey fryer factsheet