Thanksgiving is a day that is best spent with family, eating lots of food. Of course, this is also a day where certain warning labels come into play. Since more people are going to be spending time in their kitchens (with all sorts of dangerous utensils), it is easy to see why a greater degree of caution should be exercised. The American Red Cross is here to help us enjoy a safe holiday, though.
The American Red Cross has some important warnings to issue. “Cooking is the leading cause of home fires on Thanksgiving Day,” which cause “more property damage and claim more lives than home fires on other day,” they say. Anyone who is going to broiling, grilling, or frying food must stay in the kitchen. Loose and dangly clothing should also not be worn.
Fried turkey is one of the single most dangerous things that we can cook on Thanksgiving. According to Stay Safe At Home, John Drengenberg, the consumer affairs manager for Underwriters Laboratories, said:
“We’re worried by the increasing reports of fires related to turkey fryer use. Based on our test findings, the fryers used to produce those great-tasting birds are not worth the risks.”
According to AOL, State Farm collected data from 2005 to 2009 and it had some alarming findings. They found that claims related to grease and cooking-related mishaps double on Thanksgiving, as compared to a normal day. Many of these issues are related to the deep frying of turkeys.
If you insist on frying a turkey, there are certain guidelines that need to be followed.
First, the turkey must be completely thawed. Allow 24 hours of thawing for every 5 pounds of meat. Don’t make the mistake of frying the turkey on a wooden deck (or anything remotely flammable). Fryers cannot be left unattended, either. Enjoy the fried turkey, America. Be sure to follow these helpful tips when you’re ready to whip up a great meal for you and your loved ones this year!