Broward Sheriff's Firefighter Erick Solera lowers a frozen turkey into a pot of overheated oil on Monday to demonstrate what happens when basic safety measures are not followed. Broward Sheriff Ken Jenne then demonstrated the proper way to use the fryer, by using a fully thawed, dry turkey and lowering it into oil heated to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. The turkey fryers are an increasingly popular item, but can be extremely dangerous if not used with caution.
Tips for safe use include: use the fryers outdoors, on a flat surface, away from structures, not on wooden decks or any structure that can ignite. Do not leave the unit unattended while in use. Keep children and pets away from the fryer. Use thick gloves or oven mitts, wear long sleeve clothing and ideally safety goggles should be worn to protect from oil splatter. Also, keep an approved fire extinguisher nearby. Never put water on a grease fire. Always use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the oil and do not exceed the cooking temperature recommended by the manufacturer.
