http://ozarkspub.vo.llnwd.net/o37/KSMU/audio/mp3/turkeyfrye_1343.mp3
The Springfield Fire Department held a demonstration Monday afternoon to illustrate the dangers of using turkey fryers this Thanksgiving. KSMU's Greg Leuthen watched the demonstration and has more on how to safely use a turkey fryer.
Frying a turkey is as big of a tradition in some American households on Thanksgiving Day as spending time with family and friends, watching football, and eating homemade pumpkin pie for dessert. And although the Nation Fire Protection Association recommends against the use of a turkey fryer, the Springfield Fire Department understands that many families will use one anyway.
But the fire department still wants you to be safe, so it held a demonstration on the dangers of using turkey fryers and how to prevent fires. Springfield Assistant Fire Chief Randy Villines says that the most important thing to do is to understand the dangers and read the directions thoroughly.
Christina Loznicka works for Allstate Insurance, which helped sponsor the turkey fryer demonstration.She explains how to safely prepare a turkey to prevent these fires from happening.
One thing that Allstate Insurance and the Springfield Fire Department stress is that you should never leave a turkey fryer unattended. The fryers should be used outside and away from your home and anything else that may be flammable. Loznicka explains what you should do first if you accidentally start a fire.
If the fire should get out of hand and hot grease starts to spill on the ground, you should contact your local fire department immediately.