T-Day Bird Frying Safety Tips

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, many people will be plunging their fresh, store bought turkeys in to the turkey fryers.  Even experienced professionals need to be reminded of a few rules...

Firesafety.gov recommends:

·         Place the turkey fryer on a level surface, in an open area away from homes, fences, sheds, and other structures.

• Never place the fryer on a wooden deck or porch or in a garage or carport.
• Leave at least 2 feet between the fryer and the propane tank.
• Keep the fryer in full view at all times.
• Keep children and pets away from the fryer.
• Check the oil temperature often. If you see smoke coming from the oil, turn off the gas right away.
• Completely thaw and dry the turkey before frying. Adding a partially frozen or wet turkey to the pot makes the oil splatter a lot, causing a fire or explosion hazard.
• Cover bare skin before adding or removing food from the fryer.
• Raise and lower food slowly to avoid splattering or spilling oil.
• Use the right amount of oil. To find out how much oil to use, read the fryer's instructions, or:
• Place the turkey in the pot.
• Fill with water until the turkey is covered by an inch of water.
• Remove the turkey and pat dry.
• Mark the water level in the pot.
• Dump the water, dry the pot, and fill oil to the level marked.
• If the fryer catches fire, call 911 right away. Do not try to put it out with water.

Enjoy your fried turkey and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Dealing with Disaster Realted Stress

The worst has happened.. now what.  How do you maintain composure and rebuild?  Here are some tips from FEMA:

• Talk with someone about your feelings - anger, sorrow, and other emotions - even though it may be difficult.
• Seek help from professional counselors who deal with post-disaster stress.
• Do not hold yourself responsible for the disastrous event or be frustrated because you feel you cannot help directly in the rescue work.
• Take steps to promote your own physical and emotional healing by healthy eating, rest, exercise, relaxation, and meditation.
• Maintain a normal family and daily routine, limiting demanding responsibilities on yourself and your family.
• Spend time with family and friends.
• Participate in memorials.
• Use existing support groups of family, friends, and religious institutions.
• Ensure you are ready for future events by restocking your disaster supplies kits and updating your family disaster plan. Doing these positive actions can be comforting.