Hopefully you were able to spend the holidays with friends, family and guests.

If you purchased a turkey fryer or received one as a gift, safety should be a paramount concern. Alcohol can also come into play during gatherings and we want everyone to remain safe and informed. The National Fire Protection Association wants to remind everyone that keeping fire safety top of mind in the kitchen is important, especially when there’s a lot of activity and people at home. As you prepare your family feast, remember, by following a few simple safety tips you can enjoy time with your loved ones and keep yourself and your family safer from fire.

•Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day, Christmas Eve and the day before Thanksgiving.

•In 2016, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 1,570 home cooking fires on Thanksgiving, the peak day for such fires.

•Unattended cooking was by far the leading contributing factor in cooking fires and fire deaths.

•Cooking equipment was involved in almost half of all reported home fires and home fire injuries, and it is the second leading cause of home fire deaths.

Turkey fryers also cause fires and areas of concern. If you are using one of these products please help prevent deep fried turkey accidents.

•Keep outdoor fryers off decks, out of garages and a safe distance away from trees and other structures.

•Make sure the turkey is thawed and dry before cooking. Ice or water that mixes into the hot oil can cause flare-ups.

•Watch the weather. Never operate a fryer outdoors in the rain or snow.

•Place the fryer on a level surface and avoid moving it once it’s in use.

•Leave 2 feet between the tank and the burner when using a propane-powered fryer.

•Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid overfilling. Oil can ignite when it makes contact with the burner.

•Choose a smaller turkey for frying. A bird that’s 8 to 10 pounds is best; pass on turkeys over 12 pounds.

•Never leave fryers unattended.

•Purchase a fryer with temperature controls and watch the oil temperature carefully. Cooking oil that is heated beyond its smoke point can catch fire. If you notice the oil is smoking, turn the fryer off.

•Turn off the burner before lowering the turkey into the oil. Once the turkey is submerged, turn the burner on.

•Wear goggles to shield your eyes, use oven mitts to protect your hands and arms and keep an “ABC” or grease-rated fire extinguisher close by. Do not to use water or a garden hose on a fire related to turkey fryers.

•Skip the stuffing when frying turkey and avoid water-based marinades.

•Keep children and pets away from the fryer at all times.

•Once finished, carefully remove the pot from the burner, place it on a level surface and cover to let the oil cool overnight before disposing.

The Salisbury Police Department, Fire Marshal Office and Fire Inspection Office would like to wish everyone a safe and happy new year. Please review and follow these tips from NFPA and insurance carriers to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all your family and friends.

Sgt. Donald Sabo, Fire Marshal