November 26, 2024 | From New Orleans Fire Department
Thanksgiving Fire Safety
On behalf of Superintendent Roman Nelson and the men and women of the New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD), we’d like to wish a SAFE and Happy Thanksgiving to all. Thanksgiving is a time usually reserved for relaxing and spending time with loved ones, but the holiday can become dangerous in an instant. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Thanksgiving Day ranks as the number one day of the year when home cooking fires occur. Although accidental kitchen fires are still quite prevalent during the Thanksgiving Holiday, turkey fryers are quickly becoming one of the most common culprits of fires during this holiday season. Below are some tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe this Thanksgiving:
Turkey Fryers: Deep fried turkeys are a food favorite in New Orleans. Unfortunately, there are some dangers inherent to deep-frying, especially for those inexperienced in this technique.
Here's why using a deep fryer can be dangerous:
• Many units easily tip over, spilling the hot oil from the cooking pot.
• If the cooking pot is overfilled with oil, the oil may spill out of the unit when the turkey is placed into the cooking pot. Oil may hit the burner/flames causing a fire to engulf the entire unit.
• Partially frozen turkeys placed into the fryer can cause a spillover effect. This too may result in an extensive fire.
• With no thermostat controls, the units also have the potential to overheat the oil to the point of combustion.
• The sides of the cooking pot, lid and pot handles get dangerously hot, posing severe burn hazards.
If you absolutely must use a turkey fryer, here are some tips for safer use:
•Turkey fryers should always be used outdoors a safe distance from buildings and any other material that can burn.•Never use turkey fryers on wooden decks or in garages.•Make sure the fryers are used on a flat surface (preferably concrete) to reduce accidental tipping.•Never leave the fryer unattended. Most units do not have thermostat controls. If you don't watch the fryer carefully, the oil will continue to heat until it catches fire.•Never allow children or pets near the turkey fryer. The oil inside the cooking pot can remain dangerously hot for hours after use.•To avoid oil spillover, do not overfill the fryer.•Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching pot or lid handles. If possible, wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from oil splatter.•Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and be careful with marinades. Oil and water don't mix, and water causes oil to spill over, causing a fire or even an explosion hazard.•The National Turkey Federation recommends refrigerator thawing and to allow approximately 24 hours for every five pounds of bird thawed in the refrigerator.•Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire. In the event of an emergency immediately call 911 for help.
General Cooking Safety: The NOFD would like to remind our citizens to be safe with all your holiday cooking:
•Don’t leave pots unattended and keep children and pets out of thekitchen when cooking
•Keep oven mitts and towels a safe distance away from open flames
•Have pan lids available to smother grease fires
•Always have a fire extinguisher available in your kitchen
•In the case of a fire call the fire department first, even if you try toput the fire out on your own
•Make sure all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms in thehome are working
For more information on Thanksgiving and general cooking safety please visit the New Orleans Fire Department website at www.nola.gov/nofd/safety/. The NOFD would also like to remind residents about our “Free Smoke Alarm Installation Program”. Please call 504-658-4714 or request your smoke alarm online at www.nola.gov/nofd if you need this potentially lifesaving service.
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