t’s the holiday season and we are only a couple of weeks away from Thanksgiving. There will be a lot of families baking their turkeys to a golden brown and some will fry them to a tender-crisp. While deep-fried turkey is amazing, tender, and locks in all the flavor, there are many risks and dangers associated with the task.

In an article on about.com a Phoenix Fire Department posted the dangers associated with frying a turkey and tips to make the process as safe as possible:

If You Fry a Turkey

• Fryers should always be used outdoors, on a solid level surface a safe distance from buildings and flammable materials.
• Never use a fryer on a wooden deck, under a patio cover, in a garage or enclosed space.
• Do not overfill the fryer.
• Never leave the fryer unattended because, without thermostat controls, the oil will continue to heat until it catches fire.
• Never let children or pets near the fryer when in use or after use as the oil can remain hot for hours.
• Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts and wear long sleeves and safety goggles to protect from splatter.
• Make sure the turkey is completely thawed before it is placed in a fryer.
• Keep all-purpose fire extinguishers nearby.
• If a turkey fryer fire occurs, call 911 immediately.

To read the entire article http://phoenix.about.com/od/foodanddrink/a/fryaturkey.htm