As you would when cooking inside, don’t allow your dog, cat, or toddler to wander anywhere near a deep fryer outside. Children and pets are unpredictable and might swat or knock over the container or want to touch it, partly because it’s a new and different thing, and the meat likely smells very good to your puppy.

Many choose to deep fry their Thanksgiving turkey but doing it the wrong way can set your home ablaze and be potentially life-threatening.

Here’s how to fry a turkey safely and protect your loved ones: Location matters: Always use turkey fryers outdoors, on a flat, sturdy surface. Keep the fryer at least 10 feet away from your home and never use it in a garage, under roof eaves, or on wooden decks.