Allstate Insurance Company Offers Safety Tips to Avoid Deep-Fried Turkey Disasters
Chicago, IL November 16, 2012 - With the Thanksgiving holiday coming up, Allstate Insurance Company is talking turkey. Deep frying a turkey can be a hazardous endeavor and Allstate wants consumers to be sure that they focus on safety.
(prHWY.com) November 16, 2012 - Alexandria, VA -- Deep frying a turkey can be a hazardous endeavor and Allstate wants consumers to be sure that they focus on safety. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were 117 reported fire incidents involving turkey fryers between 1999 and October 2005. The majority of these incidents involved fires caused by the oil igniting and burns from splashing oil.
"Over the past several years, more and more people are looking to celebrate the holiday with a deep-fried turkey. At Allstate, we're in the business of protecting people and their possessions. We want to help ensure that the holiday is a time for giving thanks, and not for experiencing regret," says Allstate agent Joe Schneider.
Underwriters Laboratory offers the following tips for safer turkey fryer use:
Turkey fryers should always be used outdoors a safe distance from buildings and any other material that can burn.
Never use turkey fryers on wooden decks or in garages.
Make sure the fryers are used on a flat surface to reduce accidental tipping.
Never leave the fryer unattended. Most units do not have thermostat controls. If you don't watch the fryer carefully, the oil will continue to heat until it catches fire.
Never let children or pets near the fryer when in use. Even after use, never allow children or pets near the turkey fryer. The oil inside the cooking pot can remain dangerously hot, hours after use.
To avoid oil spillover, do not overfill the fryer.
Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching pot or lid handles. If possible, wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from oil splatter.
Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and be careful with marinades. Oil and water don't mix, and water causes oil to spill over, causing a fire or even an explosion hazard.
The National Turkey Federation recommends refrigerator thawing and to allow approximately 24 hours for every five pounds of bird thawed in the refrigerator.
Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire. Remember to use your best judgment when attempting to fight a fire. If the fire is manageable, use an all-purpose fire extinguisher. If the fire increases, immediately call 911 for help.
Even after use, never allow children or pets near the turkey fryer. The oil inside the cooking pots remains dangerously hot, hours after use.
For more information on this and other safety topics, contact Allstate agent Joe at 312.787.0221.
The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer, serving approximately 16 million households through its Allstate, Encompass, Esurance and Answer Financial brand names. Widely known by its slogan "You're In Good Hands With Allstate®," Allstate offers insurance products (auto, home, life and retirement) and services through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive financial representatives, as well as via
www.allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate®. As part of Allstate's commitment to strengthen local communities, The Allstate Foundation, Allstate employees, agency owners and the corporation provided $28 million in 2011 to thousands of nonprofit organizations and important causes across the United States.
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