Thanksgiving is regarded as a time of giving and rejoicing with family members over a holiday feast that is sure to leave everyone feeling stuffed. However, itòòò½ÊÓƵ™s important to remember to be safe during the holidays.
Turkey fryers have gained popularity in recent years, but they come with inherent risks if not used properly, Assistant Fire Chief for the Victoria Fire Department Mark Martyn, said.
òòò½ÊÓƵœIf you fry a turkey that isnòòò½ÊÓƵ™t completely thawed, the moisture will react with the oil, causing steam to form rapidly,òòò½ÊÓƵ he said. òòò½ÊÓƵœThis can result in an eruption of hot oil, potentially leading to a dangerous fire.òòò½ÊÓƵ
To prevent this, Martyn recommends thawing the turkey thoroughly, which can take a day or two in the refrigerator.
òòò½ÊÓƵœMake sure there are no frozen parts, pat it dry, and ensure the fryer has the correct amount of oilòòò½ÊÓƵ”too much oil can overflow as it heats up, causing a fire hazard,òòò½ÊÓƵ Martyn said.
Martyn recommends adhering to these safety tips:
òòò½ÊÓƵ¢ Always fry the turkey outdoors in an open area, away from trees, structures, or flammable materials.
òòò½ÊÓƵ¢ Monitor the fryer at all times, and avoid distractions while cooking.
òòò½ÊÓƵ¢ Use protective gear, like oven mitts, when handling the fryer to prevent burns.
Traditional cooking methods such as ovens and stove tops can also pose a risk while cooking Thanksgiving meals. In past holidays, the Victoria Fire Department has responded to some oven fires, Martyn said.
òòò½ÊÓƵœWeòòò½ÊÓƵ™ve responded to fires caused by grease dripping onto heating elements or improperly sized containers in ovens,òòò½ÊÓƵ he said. òòò½ÊÓƵœIf you have a fire in your oven, you wouldnòòò½ÊÓƵ™t want to open that oven up. You want to keep it closed because it starves the fire of oxygen. If you have a fire extinguisher, use it to put the fire out and then keep the oven closed.òòò½ÊÓƵ
Safe Holiday Travel
The National Safety Council estimates that 502 people could potentially die while driving on U.S. roads this Thanksgiving holiday. In 2022, there were 512 traffic related deaths across the United States on Thanksgiving Day.
In Victoria, there is usually an increase in fender bender accidents around Thanksgiving and Black Friday, Martyn said.
òòò½ÊÓƵœWe always have a large amount of fender-benders,òòò½ÊÓƵ he said. òòò½ÊÓƵœThe median has decreased that number just because itòòò½ÊÓƵ™s harder to cut through lanes, so it makes traffic easier to navigate. With the increase in people and with traffic and shoppers coming into town, thereòòò½ÊÓƵ™s going to be more car accidents.òòò½ÊÓƵ
For people traveling long distances over the Thanksgiving holiday, Martyn recommends taking frequent breaks.
òòò½ÊÓƵœItòòò½ÊÓƵ™s important for people to be cognizant of how far they are traveling, and if people are going to be drinking with their families then they should stay with their families until they are completely sober or stay the night,òòò½ÊÓƵ Martyn said.
Commented