We hear about it every year — accidents and fires caused by holiday cooking. According to the National Fire Protection Association, Thanksgiving is by far the leading holiday for home-cooking fires, followed closely by Christmas.

We get it! Deep-frying is a fast way to get your turkey cooked and keep its irresistible flavor and juiciness. Although this method continues to be a Thanksgiving trend, its dangers are something to be wary of.

Here are some tips to help you avoid a call to 911.

• Keep outdoor fryers out of garages, off decks and away from trees and other structures.
• Make sure the turkey is thawed and dry before placing it in hot oil. Skip the stuffing and avoid water-based marinades.
• Be aware of the weather. Never operate a fryer outside when it’s raining or snowing.
• Place the fryer on a level surface to avoid potentially flipping the fryer.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to determine how much oil you need to avoid overfilling. Oil can ignite when it makes contact with the burner.
• Leave at least 2 feet between the propane tank and the burner.
• Shield your eyes, protect your hands and keep a grease-rated fire extinguisher close by. Do not use water or a garden hose on an oil-based fire.
• Turn off the burner before lowering the turkey into the oil. Once the turkey is submerged, turn it back on.
• Always keep children and pets away from the fryer.
• Once finished, turn off the burner. Carefully remove the pot and place it on a level surface. Take out the turkey and re-cover the pot to let the oil cool overnight before disposing.

So, this year, take these precautions and make your gathering a total success!

Lakeland Fire Department in Florida, talks turkey about fryer safety.