Are you itching to pull the cover off your grill and fire it up now that warmer temperatures are here? Before you heat up the grill, remember to keep these safety tips in mind:

• Never use propane or charcoal grills inside of homes, vehicles, tents or campers. If used inside, deadly carbon monoxide gas may build up.

• The grill should be placed away from houses, fences, decks, trees or bushes.

• Keep your grill stable. Be sure all parts are firmly in place and that the grill can’t be tipped over.

• Keep your grill clean. Remove grease or fat buildup by cleaning with a grill brush.

• Avoid cross-contamination – a leading cause of food poisoning that occurs when juices from raw meats touch cooked food. Grill one type of meat at a time, use separate plates for uncooked and cooked foods and clean utensils as you grill. Remember, anything that touches raw meat (even marinade) shouldn’t touch cooked foods.

• Always make sure your gas grill lid is open when you light the grill.

• Keep children and pets at least five feet away from the grill.

• Never leave your grill unattended. It only takes a minute away from your grilling station for something to go terribly wrong.

• Use long-handle utensils to help avoid burns and splatters.

• Wear safe clothing. Don’t wear loose or baggy clothing that could easily catch fire.

• Use a thick flame-retardant mitt when adjusting hot vents.

• Be ready to put out flames. You may be able to use baking soda to control a small grease fire, but you should also have an appropriate fire extinguisher handy. Remember, water will spread a grease fire.

• Don’t move a hot grill. It’s easy to stumble or drop it, and serious burns could result.