Every year deep-fryer fires are responsible for five deaths, 60 injuries, the destruction of 900 homes, and more than $15-million in property damage, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

 

  1. Stay Away from The House– Set up the turkey fryer more than 10 feet away from your home and keep children and pets away. Never leave it unattended.
  2. Find Flat Ground– The oil must be even and steady at all times to ensure safety. Place the fryer on a flat, level surface and carefully gauge the amount of oil needed.
  3. Use a Thawed and Dry Turkey– Make sure your Thanksgiving turkey is completely thawed and dry. Extra water will cause the oil to bubble furiously and spill over. If oil spills from the fryer onto the burner, it can cause a fire.
  4. Monitor the Temp– Use caution when touching the turkey fryer. The lid and handle can become very hot and could cause burns. Also be sure to keep track of the oil’s temperature as many fryers do not have their own thermostats.
  5. Be Prepared– Have a fire extinguisher (ABC dry chemical) ready at all times in the event that the oil ignites.
  6. Remember that oil and water (liquid or frozen) don’t mix. Water causes oil to bubble and spill over which can quickly result in a fire. Never attempt to cook a frozen turkey as the excess moisture will cause the oil to boil violently and possibly start a fire.

What happens if we do get a burn from frying a turkey?

  • Run the burned area under cold tap water for 5-10 minutes. DO NOT USE ICE WATER.
  • Carefully dry the burn with a clean towel.
  • Have the burn evaluated at an Urgent Care or Emergency Room. Burns may not seem that bad at first, but due to the nature of the extreme heat and how oil burns, the burn can turn into something more serious.
  • Some burns, especially from fat, are so severe that they can destroy nerves in the area of the burn, leading to lack of sensation.
  • If a burn develops a blister or bubble, DO NOT lance or pop it. Second degree burns need medical attention.
  • If there are burns to the face, neck or chest, call 9-1-1 immediately. The airway can be burned and become quickly life threatening.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appetizers, including those containing relishes, raw vegetables, olives, grapes, nuts and cheese cubes, can be dangerous for young children who may not be able to chew them adequately.

 Signs of choking:

 Inability to talk

 

  • Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing
  • Inability to cough forcefully
    Skin, lips and nails turning blue or dusky
    Loss of consciousness

 

How do you do the Heimlich?

  • Stand or kneel behind the person and wrap your arms around his or her waist. If the person is standing, place one of your legs between his or her legs so you can support the person if he or she faints.
  • Make a fist with one hand. Place the thumb side of your fist against the person’s belly, just above the belly button but well below the breastbone.
  • Grasp your fist with the other hand. Give a quick upward thrust into the belly. This may cause the object to pop out. You may need to use more force for a large person and less for a child or small adult.
  • Repeat thrusts until the object pops out or the person faints.