Ottawa Fire Department Public Education Coordinator Kevin Theis wants to keep a streak going. He says he’s been called to a fire involving a person deep-frying their turkey in years. And he wants to make sure people are safe so he doesn’t have to go to one this year. If you are going to deep-fry your turkey he says you want to be outside and away from the house. And make sure it’s on a flat cooking surface.
He says if the turkey isn’t completely thawed and dried, the water and the oil won’t mix and could cause it to explode. If a fire starts use a good fire extinguisher to put it out if you can’t turn off the heat first. If you are cooking inside, Theis says try to keep young children out of the kitchen as much as possible for their safety. If kids are in the kitchen, remember to turn pot handles inward so they don’t try to grab them and spill something.
He also recommends if you can, put a lid on a pot or pan if a fire starts and turn off the heat. If a fire starts while something is in the oven, leave the door closed and turn the heat off as well. If an out of control fire starts inside or outside he says called the fire department sooner rather than later.