NATIONWIDE — Fried turkey is a southern Thanksgiving treat. But if the person doing the frying is not careful, that turkey can go up in flames, along with that person's house.

Here are five things to remember if you plan on frying your turkey:

  1. Keep the fryer away from any structures. Your fryer should be outside, far away from any structures or trees, in a clear, flat spot. Do not use it on a wooden deck. And make sure the weather is good. You're dunking a large bird into five gallons of hot oil. Cooking oil is combustible, and an oil pop, a splash or a spill of hot oil can cause serious injuries and serious property damage.
  2. Thaw and dry your turkey completely. If you buy a frozen turkey, make sure it's completely defrosted. You also want to make sure it is clean and dry, inside and out. Any extra water will cause the oil to bubble and spill over, which can cause a fire. Use marinades at your own risk.
  3. Before you dunk your turkey, make sure the oil is heated right. The oil should be heated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. The oil is heated beyond cooking temperature, the vapor can start a fire. Even if you have temperature controls, you should watch your cooking temperature in case the controls are defective.
  4. Make sure you're using well-insulated potholders. The handles of the lid and the pot will be pretty hot, so make sure you have property protective gear to keep you safe from burns. Also, if possible, wear safety goggles to avoid splatter.
  5. Don't let kids or pets near the fryer. Do not leave the fryer unattended and even after the fryer is shut off, don't let kids or pets near. The oil inside the pot can stay hot for hours after you're done.

For more safety information, head to the National Fire Protection Association website.