(WWJ) The Michigan Fire Marshal is giving some advice on how to keep Thanksgiving dinner safe and fire free.
State Fire Marshal, Kevin Sehlmeyer, said portable propane fryers— “a popular and faster cooking method” for your turkey— can pose a big fire risk when not used correctly.
He said to keep the following safety tips in mind when using a portable propane fryer:
“Always fry on a flat surface, well away from houses, garages, decks, trees, bushes, and other flammable materials.
Use a fryer with a gas valve controller.
Make sure your turkey is completely thawed and dry the turkey prior to frying.
Allow at least two feet of space between the liquid propane tank and the portable deep fryer burner.
Only use cooking oil recommended by the deep fryer manufacturer; different types of cooking oil have different ignition temperatures when heated.
Do not overfill the portable deep fryer with cooking oil.If the cooking oil begins to smoke, immediately turn the propane tank to OFF by closing the propane tank valve.
Always keep a fire extinguisher (dry powder) ready; never use water to extinguish a cooking oil or grease fire.”
Sehlmeyer said another essential step to staying safe this Thanksgiving is to make sure you have working carbon monoxide alarms.
“This Thanksgiving, as you visit with family, I encourage you and your relatives to 'push the button' to check and make sure they have working smoke alarms in their homes,” he said in the press release.
He added each home should have a working carbon monoxide alarm in every bedroom, and on each level of the house.
State data shows 111 Michigan residents have died in 93 house fires since January 1st. Most of them did not have working smoke alarms, according to Sehlmeyer.
“A quick warning from a smoke detector can be the difference that allows residents to escape quickly,” Sehlmeyer said.
Sehlmeyer said each family should prepare a Fire Escape Plan by evaluating all escape routes and making sure they’re clear.
MORE INFORMATION ON FIRE ESCAPE PLANS AND HOW TO PREPARE ONE
Put special care into figuring out how loved ones with disabilities can escape in two minutes or less, he said.
In the event of a fire, fire officials say close the door between you and the smoke.
“Fire can happen to anyone,” Sehlmeyer said.