FREMONT, Mich., Nov. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Some people may consider it a disaster if the Thanksgiving turkey is overcooked, the stuffing is dry or the mashed potatoes are lumpy.  Unfortunately, far too many families suffer a true disaster on Thanksgiving, thanks to hot oil turkey fryers and that damage they can cause.  According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) deep fryers fires are the cause of multiple deaths and injuries each year and more than $15 million in property damage.

"Outdoor gas-fueled turkey fryers use a significant amount of extremely hot oil and can be complicated and dangerous to use for an inexperienced cook," said Kurt Dettmer, vice president and chief marketing officer for Fremont Insurance.  "The NFPA actually discourages their use altogether due to their concerns about safety.  We just want to make sure that if you do decide to deep fry your turkey this year, that you use extreme caution and follow some safety guidelines to avoid a disastrous situation."

Follow these basic safety tips to avoid disaster:

• Avoid Overfilling - If the cooking pot is overfilled, oil may spill out when the turkey is lowered in. Oil can hit the burner and cause a significant fire. Follow the owner's manual and make sure the oil level is at the proper level.
• Use a Fully Thawed Turkey Only - Make sure your turkey is properly thawed and slowly lower it into the pot to prevent the oil from splashing.  Frozen or partially frozen turkey placed into the fryer can cause the oil to spill over the pot and may result in a significant fire or burn injury.
• Choose an Appropriate Cooking Location - Often, fires involving a fryer start in a garage or on a patio or deck. Cook outdoors and on a level, firm, and non-combustible surface. Maintain a safe distance from any buildings and keep the fryer off of any wooden structures.
• Avoid Water and Ice - When ice or water comes into contact with hot oil, the water vaporizes, causing steam bubbles to pop and spray hot oil. Do not use ice or water to cool down oil or extinguish an oil fire. Keep an extinguisher approved for cooking or grease fires nearby and immediately call 911 for help.
• Never Leave Your Fryer Unattended - Frying involves cooking with a combustible cooking oil or grease. Many frying units do not have thermostat controls and if left unwatched, the oil will continue to heat until the oil ignites.
• Only Use Fryers on a Level Surface - Many fryers are very top-heavy and can be unstable if not used on a level surface. Fryers that are used on an unlevel surface can tip over causing a significant fire or burn injury.

About Fremont Insurance
Fremont Insurance is a subsidiary of the Auto Club Group, servicing the Independent Agents of Michigan. The company has been a Pure Michigan company since 1876. Dynamic Products, Exceptional Service, and Competitive Pricing have made Fremont Insurance one of the fastest growing and most respected companies operating in Michigan.  For more information about Fremont Insurance you can visit the company online at www.fmic.com, find them on facebook at www.facebook.com/FremontInsuranceCo, or follow them on twitter at www.twitter.com/FremontIns.

SOURCE Fremont Insurance