TEXAS AGRILIFE OFFERS TURKEY FRYING SAFETY TIPS

  

While the holidays should be a time of joy, there are many potential fire hazards that could ruin them if people don’t take adequate precautions, says Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts.

Jenna Anding, an AgriLife Extension associate and the head of nutrition and food science department, says serving a fried turkey has become a Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday tradition for many families. However, frying a turkey takes skill preparation and caution.

In a press release, Texas AgriLife offered the following tips:

• Make sure the fryer is in full view while the burner is on.
• Never cook a turkey in or under a garage, carport, deck or other structure that might catch fire.
• Check the oil temperature frequently and if the oil begins to smoke, immediately turn off the gas supply.
• Raise and lower the turkey from the fryer slowly to reduce splatter and avoid burns.
• Cover bare skin when placing or removing the turkey.
• Call 911 if a fire occurs and avoid trying to extinguish the fire with water.

For more safety tips for activities during the holidays, visit today.agrilife.org.