Turkey Frying Safety Tips from the Harris County Fire Marshal

Turkey Frying Safety Tips from the Harris County Fire Marshal’s OfficeTurkey fryers can easily overheat and start a fire. Check the temperature often with a cooking thermometer so the oil won’t overheat.The Harris County Fire Marshal's Office, H-E-B, and Harris County Precinct 4 Office of Commissioner R. Jack Cagle's encourage turkey frying safety."HCFMO encourages everyone to keep an eye on what you fry," said Harris County Fire Marshal Laurie L. Christensen. "Frying a turkey might be a family tradition, but it can be very dangerous. One misstep can cause a dangerous fire to occur."“Thanksgiving is a day for counting our blessings and appreciating our friends and families, not for visiting our local emergency room with painful injuries,” said Commissioner R. Jack Cagle. “Please be careful this Thanksgiving so we can all be grateful for another safe holiday.”

The Harris County Fire Marshal's Office, Commissioner Cagle, and H-E-B encourage everyone to follow these safety tips when frying a turkey:Keep outdoor fryers off decks, out of garages, and a safe distance away from trees and other structures.Make sure the turkey is thawed and dry before cooking. Ice or water that mixes into hot oil can cause flare-ups.Fill the container with the appropriate amount of oil.Heat the oil to the appropriate temperature, do not overheat.Never leave fryers unattended.Have an ABC fire extinguisher near your cooking station in case of an accident.Keep children and pets away from the fryer at all times.HEB Tomball Market #574 donated two turkeys and peanut oil for HCFMO to conduct a turkey frying demonstration. "It is extremely important for families to have a safe and joyful Thanksgiving," said H-E-B Area Community Coordinator Patty James. "We were delighted to assist the Fire Marshal's Office and Commissioner Cagle's Office by donating the tools they needed to provided this incredibly important fire safety message for our community."Watch Turkey Frying Safety Tips here: