The Jefferson City Fire Department held a demonstration Wednesday showing both the right and wrong ways to deep-fry a turkey.
Fire officials advise those looking to deep-fry their Thanksgiving meals to:
• Use the fryer outside and off any wooden decks or other combustible surfaces;
• Have a fire extinguisher ready;
• Use a thawed and dry turkey;
• Use the proper amount of oil and remember it's easier to add cool oil than remove hot oil;
• Make sure oil temperature is around 350 degrees;
• Make sure the flame is turned off while placing the turkey in the oil;
• Lower the turkey very carefully into the oil;
• Use gloves;
• Relight the flame after the turkey is in the oil;
• Always monitor the temperature;
• Remember cooking time is about three to four minutes per pound;
• Watch for children and pets, and be aware of the weather;
• Allow the cooker to cool overnight before handling the oil.