While turkey is the traditional choice for holiday food festivities, there's one cooking style that's taken over the holiday season: frying. An experienced agent with Allstate Insurance Companies, Dewey Beckner sees many homeowners’ claims come through his office over Thanksgiving and Christmas as a result of turkey-frying accidents. To keep you and your home safe, Dewey and his team at the High Point, NC, insurance agency offer their top three turkey preparation tips below.

3 Turkey Frying Safety Tips From Your High Point Insurance Agency

1. Choose Fryer Placement Carefully

One of the most important steps of your turkey-frying experience is choosing the fryer placement. Because of unit’s heat as well as the oil it contains, it's imperative that the fryer isn't placed anywhere near your home or non-dwelling structures like sheds. Also, avoid your deck or wood-covered patio for your frying location. Concrete or grass are the most optimal choices, but find level ground to prevent fires or grease spills.

2. Start With a Dry, Thawed Turkey

You should also cook with a thawed-out turkey. Water released from a frozen or wet turkey can create grease splatters that lead to burns or fires. You can avoid such a situation by simply making sure your turkey has plenty of time to thaw out before the big event and patting it down with a towel.

3. Monitor Temperatures Closely

During the frying process, monitor your fryer's temperature closely. If the unit becomes too hot, you could experience an oil fire, which can put your home and family in harm's way. If your fryer doesn't offer temperature controls, turn it off at the first sign of smoke.

Following the tips above will help you reduce your risk of injury or house damage this holiday season, but it's important to be prepared with a high-quality homeowners insurance policy. If you need a plan customized to your needs, turn to Dewey Beckner with Allstate Insurance Companies. Boasting more than 20 years of experience, Dewey is known for his personalized approach that takes all of a client's unique circumstances into consideration. Request your free quote today by visiting the High Point insurance agency online or calling (336) 884-5636.