Turkey fryer safety tips Published Nov. 10, 2009 366th Civil Engineer Squadron MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- It's that time of the year again: time to break out the deep fat fryers and barbeques to cook those great holiday feasts. It's also time to remember safety while preparing these great labors of love. Even though you may know how to cook and assume that nothing bad will happen, the base fire department would like to share a few tips to keep in mind during this holiday season. Though deep fat fryers and turkey fryers are not prohibited on base or in base housing, everyone must be aware of the inherent dangers associated with these types of cooking appliances. The following information and safety tips should be followed for a safe cooking experience: · Never leave fryers unsupervised. While small, kitchen sized fryers are generally stable, turkey fryers can easily tip over, spilling hot oil out of the pot · Follow the manufacturer's direction when using these appliances · Leave enough space in the fryer for the turkey. If a fryer is overfilled with oil, the oil will spill out of the unit when the food is placed into it · Units with no thermostat controls can overheat the oil to the point of combustion (most turkey fryers do not have thermostat controls), so monitor closely · Handle with care. The sides of the cooking pot, lid and pot handles get dangerously hot, posing severe burn hazards · Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire · Turkey fryers and barbeques should always be used outdoors a minimum of six feet from the buildings and any other material that can burn or be readily damaged · Never use turkey fryers and barbeques on wooden decks or in garages · Make sure fryers and barbecues are used on a flat surface to reduce accidental tipping · Never leave cooking food unattended · Never let children or pets near the fryer and barbeque when in use · Make sure food is completely thawed and be careful with marinades. A spillover effect can occur, which can also result in a fire · After you are done cooking, turn off the fryer and let the oil cool completely before handling · Strain and save clean oil in sealable containers in a cool dark place until next time · Never pour cooking oil down the drain Cooking oils can be disposed of at the base's central collection facility in Bldg. 1296 located at 1181 Desert Street between the hours of 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. For additional information, call the fire prevention office at 828-3623 or 828-6375.