By: Adriane Whitman

Thanksgiving is a time when people gather with their families, sharing meals and gratitude. Many families try frying a whole turkey as they prepare the holiday feast.

Although the outcome is delectable, frying a turkey has significant risks if not done correctly. The Arlington Fire Department, in partnership with USAA, Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson and the American Red Cross North Texas Region, recently demonstrated the dangers of improperly frying a whole turkey.

“Thanksgiving is a time for family and all sorts of visitors, but you don’t want the visitors that are unwelcomed, which is the fire department coming there,” Arlington Fire Chief Bret Stidham said.  

Not following proper precautions, such as not thawing the turkey completely or adding too much oil, can turn the meal of your dreams into a nightmare. The fire department showed how things could go wrong by submerging a partially thawed bird into hot oil. Flames quickly followed.

“Thanksgiving and the day before are the top two days in this country of a chance of a cooking fire happening in someone’s home,” American Red Cross DFW Metro West Chapter Executive Director Adolph Aguirre said.“Cooking fires remain the leading cause of home fires and home injuries and are the second leading cause of a home-related death.

”USAA Senior Vice President Robert Braggs also noted that they see an increase in home fire claims during the holiday season. He emphasized that “the best claim is the claim that never happens.”Follow these tips on preventing fires while preparing your holiday meal and every meal you cook at home.
 

• Always fry a turkey outdoors.
• Make sure the fryer is at least 10 feet from your home or other structures.
• Place the fryer on a sturdy, level surface.
• Don’t overfill the frying pot.
• Thaw your turkey completely.
• Don’t leave the turkey unattended while frying.
• Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you must leave the kitchen for a short time, turn off the stove.
• Use a timer to remind yourself that the stove or oven is on.
• Avoid wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking.
• Keep kids and pets at least three feet away from cooking areas.
• Keep anything that can catch on fire — potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags,
  food packaging, towels or curtains away from your stovetop, oven or any other appliance that generates heat.
• Clean cooking surfaces regularly to prevent grease buildup.
• Consider purchasing a fire extinguisher to keep in your kitchen.
• Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving home to ensure all stoves, ovens and small appliances are turned off.

If you or someone you know needs a smoke alarm, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit RedCross.org to make an installation appointment.