'Duck Dynasty' Warns About Turkey Fryer Fires
What does "Duck Dynasty" have to do with turkey fryer fires on Thanksgiving? As a new online video shows, it has everything to do with safety.
Two stars of A&E's "Duck Dynasty" crew -- namely, Jase Robertson and his uncle Si -- have teamed up with State Farm to create a quick public service announcement about the dangers of deep-frying turkeys.
What bearded wisdom should you remember if you want to fry your bird?
1. Defrost Your Turkey.
Most Americans will get their turkeys frozen from the supermarket, which is great for storing, but not so much for frying. As the "Duck Dynasty's" Jase visually explains, a defrosted turkey is more like a deadly projectile when dropped into oil.
You can watch the video here:
According to Gizmodo, dropping a frozen bird into a vat of high temperature oil causes explosive decompression -- like when gas tanks explode -- and might add immolation to your Thanksgiving menu.
2. Turn Off the Burner.
Whether you prefer to listen to William Shatner's dulcet-toned voice or the rustic wisdom of the "Duck" boys, you should always turn off an open flame when lowering a turkey into a deep fryer.
You may still get some minor burns from oil (or "ul" as the Robertsons and Paula Deen might say) splattering -- so keep the burn cream handy -- but at least you won't be rounding out November as a charred corpse.
3. Fry in a Safe Outdoor Space.
You can choose to construct a "turkey derrick" inspired by TV chef Alton Brown's famous design, or you could simply make sure that your turkey fryer is:
- On a stable, well grounded base;
- Away from flammable materials (like your house or family);
- Placed at least 2 feet away from an attached propane tank; and
- OUTDOORS!!!
4. Keep a Fire Extinguisher Handy.
If you're very careful and prepared, there won't be much chance of a fire, but even the slim risk warrants the fire extinguisher's role in the ballet that is deep-frying turkey. Your home should already have a fire extinguisher, so you won't need to go out and buy an extra one.
Worried about spraying your precious fried bird with weird-smelling chemical foam or powder? Pick up a carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguisher that won't leave any toxic chemical residue... or aftertaste.
5. Inject Your Bird With Cajun Butter. (Optional)
The "Duck Dynasty" crew should not have any issue with you adding some flavor to your deep-fried turkey, like pumping your bird full of injectable Creole-style butter marinade (which they apparently sell along with fishing tackle).
Done safely, a deep fried turkey can reward you and your family with a crispy, moist Thanksgiving staple in a fraction of the time that an oven-cooked gobbler might.
Related Resources:
- Turkey fryer fire? 'Duck Dynasty' to the rescue this Thanksgiving (Los Angeles Times)
- Deep Fried Turkey: How Not to Burn Your House Down (FindLaw's Common Law)
- The 3 Best Turkey Fryer Fire Videos (FindLaw's Injured)
- Thanksgiving Killer Lawsuit: Parents Sued (FindLaw's Injured)