If you are someone who loves to fry your turkey in a big fryer filled with grease for Thanksgiving instead of the old-fashioned way — in the oven for hours on end — it’s best you’re prepared in case of an unexpected emergency.

Be prepared

For example, did you know that Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, and turkey fryers are a big contributor. According to one insurance provider, Erie Insurance, there are  seven deep fryer tips to keep you and your home safe this holiday season.

Before cooking: Follow a few easy steps to a safe and delicious Thanksgiving turkey as suggested by Erie Insurance  via a press release from PR Newswire.

  1. Buy the right-sized bird: A 12 to 14-pound turkey is usually the biggest bird a turkey fryer can accommodate. Check with the manufacturer of the fryer for specifics.
  2. Follow the thawing process: Let your turkey thaw and dry. Excess water causes oil to bubble up, which increases the chances of a spill. The National Turkey Federation recommends thawing the turkey in the refrigerator approximately 24 hours for every four or five pounds of whole-body turkey.
  3. Find the right spot: Place a propane-fired outdoor fryer on a level spot far away from your house and any other structures. Indoor electric fryers are often safest on porches, patios, garages or an outdoor area within reach of an electrical outlet; otherwise, place it on a counter top that’s a safe distance from any overhead cabinets.
  4. Do not overfill: Most fryers have a “fill line” indicating how much oil to put in the fryer. If yours doesn’t, place the turkey in the fryer and fill three to five inches from the top of the fryer. Do not exceed the fill line.During cooking:
  5. Heating techniques: Heat the oil slowly. Also monitor the oil’s temperature. Always check your user manual for the manufacturer’s recommendation.
  6. Don’t go anywhere: Stick around the fryer while you are cooking the bird. Many flare-ups happen when no one’s keeping an eye on things. The quicker you spot a fire, the faster you can put it out.
  7. Putting out the fire: Keep an all-purpose, dry-powder fire extinguisher close by. Never use water on a grease fire it will make it worse.

Fires can happen with less risky cooking techniques, too. Keep your family and friends safe by following these safe cooking tips. It’s a good idea to contact your insurance agent to make sure you have the right homeowners insurance plan to protect your home and everything in it.

Make a change

Perhaps this is the year and the season that you try something completely different when it comes to cooking your Thanksgiving Day turkey for the feast. Whether it’s via frying it or making it in the oven, make sure you have the necessary tools in case there is an emergency that needs your full attention.

Remember, Thanksgiving and the holiday season as a whole, is a great time to spend with your friends and family enjoying and celebrating one another, as well as paying thanks to what you have in your life.