(AP Photo/Matt Houston,File)
More cooking fires occur on Thanksgiving than any other day of the year, according to State Farm claims data. In fact, grease and cooking-related claims more than double on Thanksgiving Day compared to an average day in November.
With the popularity of turkey frying, people are at risk for fryer-related fires and injuries. U.S. fire departments are responding to more than 1,000 fires each year in which a deep fryer is involved. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says deep fryer fires result in more than $15 million in property damage each year and hot oil splatter can cause serious burns to an adult or life threatening injuries to a child.
State Farm gathered data on the top 10 states with the most grease and cooking-related claims on Thanksgiving Day for the past five years, from 2007 to 2011.
Click “next” to see which states made the top 10 and for tips from State Farm on how to prevent turkey fryer fires this Thanksgiving.
10. South Carolina
Number of claims: 11
Most turkey fryer fires are preventable. Recognizing common mistakes is a critical step in reducing your risk of a fire or potentially fatal burns. Read on for tips to keep your holiday safe.
9. Minnesota
Number of claims: 11
More than one-third of fires involving a fryer start in a garage or on a patio, close to the house. Cook outdoors at a safe distance from any buildings or trees and keep the fryer off any wooden structures, such as a deck or patio.
8. Pennsylvania
Number of claims: 12
Avoid a hot oil spill over by first filling the pot with cold oil and then lower the thawed turkey into the pot to determine how much oil should be either added or removed.
7. Louisiana
Number of claims: 12
Shut off the fuel source or flame when adding the turkey to the hot oil to prevent a dangerous flare-up if oil does spill over the rim.
6. California
Number of claims: 12
Make sure your turkey is properly thawed before lowering it slowly into the pot. Partially frozen turkeys placed into the fryer can cause a spillover effect.
5. Florida
Number of claims: 13
Many fryers easily tip over, spilling the hot oil from the cooking pot. Make sure the fryers are used on a flat surface to reduce accidental tipping.
(AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
4. Ohio
Number of claims: 13
Do not use ice or water to cool down oil or extinguish an oil fire.
3. New York
Number of claims: 18
Keep an extinguisher approved for cooking or grease fire nearby.
2. Illinois
Number of claims: 18
The lid and handles on the sides of the cooking pot get dangerously hot, posing severe burn hazards. Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching pot or lid handles, and wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from oil splatter.
1. Texas
Number of claims: 19
Texas has the most incidences of turkey fryer fires, coming in with 19 claims.
One of the most important safety tips is to never leave a hot turkey fryer unattended. Most fryers do not have thermostat controls. If you do not watch the fryer carefully, the oil will continue to heat until it catches fire.
