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With the holidays here, many families will search for different ways to spice up the standard food options. Some people will stick with the traditional oven-baked turkey; however, many families will choose to deep fry their birds using an outdoor turkey fryer. Deep-fried turkey is a long-time favorite for many, but it is imperative for cooks to know how to properly use an outdoor propane turkey fryer. Ft. Myers personal injury lawyer Randall Spivey has represented all types of accident victims and knows the devastation that can occur from a turkey fryer accident. Such accidents can be avoided if users practice a few safety tips.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) advises individuals to avoid using turkey fryers unless they have been properly trained. There are other options available that serve as nice alternatives to propane-based fryers. Still, those who intend to fry their turkeys despite the warning are advised to do so as safely as possible by following the advice below.

Keeping Your Thanksgiving Holiday Safe

As your Ft. Myers personal injury lawyer knows, the reasons outdoor turkey fryers are so dangerous is because they can easily tip over, which can result in large quantities of boiling hot oil spilling over a huge amount of space. Additionally, if too much oil is put into the fryer prior to the turkey, the oil can spill over and create a fire.

Many people do not realize that outdoor deep fryers can overheat to a point of combustion. The lid, handles and sides of the pot can get extremely hot, causing severe burns. Individuals who use propane or other gas-based turkey fryers should ensure to use them outside on hard, level surfaces that are a safe distance away from a house or other nearby buildings. Never use fryers on wooden decks, inside garages or under covered patios.

Users are also encouraged to keep pets and children away from the fryer both before and after frying the turkey. To avoid overfilling the fryer, users should start by pouring in a small amount of oil, lowering the turkey, then filling the fryer with more oil as necessary. Once filled, users should make certain to remain near the fryer at all times while in use. The NFPA also suggests users wear long sleeves and safety goggles, as well as insulated oven mitts and/or potholders.

One of the primary causes of house fires is cooking fires. Thousands of fires occur on Thanksgiving Day; still, retail outlets fill their shelves with hundreds of fryers for consumers to purchase. Fryers have improved throughout the years, but yearly news reports demonstrate the equipment can still fail.

Individuals should also know what to do in case of a grease fire. Water should never be used to put out a grease fire. Instead, use an all-purpose fire extinguisher, if one is available, and call 911 as soon as possible.

If you or someone you love has been injured during a turkey fryer fire or any other type of incident, contact a Ft. Myers personal injury lawyer at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. today to learn your legal options.