NEW ORLEANS — Thanksgiving is so close we can almost taste the turkey. But one of the most delicious meals can also be one of the most dangerous this holiday season. The New Orleans Fire Department says cooking fires are the number one calls they get during this time of year, especially deep-fried turkeys gone wrong.
"Sometimes it's the lack of watching the turkey fryer as it cooks. Some people leave their turkey fryer pots unattended. They have the potential to keep heating," Deronta Laugand, a public information officer with the fire department says. "Also frozen turkeys submerged in hot oils, that also does cause the oils to pop over and spill."
If you do want your bird crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside there are ways to fry it without the hazards. The fire department suggests putting the pot on a flat, level surface, frying it a safe distance away from your house and whatever you do – don't fry in the garage! Plus, please make sure to take the turkey out of the freezer with more than enough time.
"Keep the frozen turkeys from being deep fried, oil and water does not mix," Laugand said.
Plus, Laugand suggests not overfilling the pot with oil, and using gloves.
If you start to see sparks DO NOT try and put it out with water – water and oil don't mix.
"Put the top onto the pot," Laugand said. "Please definitely call 911, as soon as possible."
After the Thanksgiving dishes are cleared, the risk of flames doesn't go away. We're expecting a cold front in New Orleans, and lower temps can increase the chance for fires. In 2019 a space heater fire killed a 62-year-old woman in East Carrollton and just last year, a space heater caused a whole family in Kenner to lose their home.
Laugand says to keep space heaters away from heat sources and anything that can tip it over. And don't overload your outlets – to ensure a merry holiday season.
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