It’s finally starting to warm up again – and that means barbecue grills soon will be shedding their covers for the spring and summer.

The National Fire Protection Assn. offers these tips for preparing your grill for barbecue season and keeping it safe throughout the summer:

¢ Position the grill well away from siding, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.

¢ Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas and foot traffic.

¢ Put out several long-handled grilling tools to give the chef plenty of clearance from heat and flames when flipping burgers.

¢ Remove grease or fat buildup in trays below grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill.

¢ If you have a charcoal grill, purchase the proper starter fluid and store the can out of reach of children, and away from heat sources.

Tight shot of roasted beef kabobs with colored peppers on the BBQ kettle grill. Juicy and delicious looking; ready to eat.

¢ If you have a propane grill, check the propane cylinder hose for leaks before using it. A light soap and water solution applied to the hose will quickly reveal escaping propane by releasing bubbles. Have leaking fuel lines repaired before using.

¢ Never store propane cylinders in buildings or garages.

¢ Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals or kindling have already been ignited, and never use any flammable or combustible liquid other than charcoal starter fluid to get the fire going.