Turkey Fryin' Tips

Deep-fried turkey, a concept that started in the South, is rising in popularity nationwide. The process requires careful preparation and time to prevent fire or burn injuries. An average of eighteen reported incidents that involve fires, flames or burns associated with turkey fryers are reported each year, twenty-eight in 2002. Deep Fryers can be dangerous because:

• Many units easily tip over, spilling the five gallons of hot oil within the cooking pot.
• If the cooking pot is overfilled with oil, the oil may spill out of the unit when the turkey is placed into the cooking pot. Oil may hit the burner/flames causing a fire to engulf the entire unit.
• Partially frozen turkeys placed into the fryer can cause a spillover effect. This too, may result in an extensive fire.
• With no thermostat controls, the units also have the potential to overheat the oil to the point of combustion.
• The sides of the cooking pot, lid and pot handles get dangerously hot, posing severe burn hazards.

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Thirty Mobilians Set to Graduate from Citizen’s Police Academy

After 11 weeks on the police beat, 30 members of the Citizens’ Police Academy will graduate from the Mobile Police Department’s Citizen’s Police Academy, taking away a certificate of achievement and a new perspective on police work.

The graduation is set for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17 in the auditorium at Mobile Gas, 2828 Dauphin St.

The graduates came to the program with a variety of life experiences. Ranging in age from 22 to 76, the participants’ backgrounds are diverse as well. The class consists of retired teachers, an author, a Homeland Security Officer, and an optometrist to name a few.

The class covered all aspects of policing including gun safety, narcotics, target shooting, and an officer ride-along. Additionally, the students visited Metro Jail and the 911 Communications Center.

Those interested in applying for the next Citizen’s Academy are asked to call the Training Academy at 208-2732.