Now that spring has arrived, outdoor grilling begins to "heat up" once again. Whether you use charcoal, wood, gas or electricity for grilling, a "moment's inattention can spell disaster," says the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). To ensure a safe grilling season, here are a few tips to help keep your family safe:

* Keep grills away from combustibles, including the outside of your house, porch, balcony or garage.

* Never leave the grill unattended.

* Check hose integrity and hose connections to make sure gas is not leaking from your gas grill. Apply soapy water to hoses and connections to reveal any leaks.

* Clean out any spider webs that may have accumulated inside the fresh air ports on a gas grill.

* Use only equipment bearing the mark of an independent testing laboratory. Follow the manufacturers' instructions on how to set up the grill and maintain it.

* Never store propane cylinders in buildings or garages. If you store a gas grill inside during the winter, disconnect the cylinder and leave it outside.

* Make sure kids and pets stay at least 36" away from the grill.

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

* Keep the grill clean, free from grease build up on and inside the grill.

* The popularity of gas-fueled grills nearly tripled between 1982 and 1993 (up 193 percent from 9.4 million to 27.5 million).

* Gas grills have a higher fire risk than charcoal grills; leaks and breaks are the leading cause, accounting for nearly half of gas grill fires.

* Gas-fueled grills caused an estimated 600 home structure fires and 3,200 home outdoor fires in 2001.

* Charcoal grills have a higher risk than gas grills of death due to fire or unvented carbon monoxide; most of these deaths do not involve fire.

* Charcoal-fueled or other solid-fueled grills caused an estimated 400 home structure fires and 200 home outdoor fires in 2001.

* Placing combustibles too close to heat, and leaving cooking unattended, are the two leading causes for charcoal grill home fires.

* Half of all gas grill and charcoal grill home fires begin on an exterior balcony or unenclosed porch.

* Gas fuel is the leading item first ignited for home outdoor gas grill fires.

* Wall coverings, exterior trim, and plants are the leading items first ignited in home outdoor charcoal grill fires.

Enjoy your grilling but be careful, a little attention and an ounce of prevention is a perfect recipe for the entire season.

Does this article interest you? Have you ever thought of helping your community by becoming a volunteer firefighter or EMS volunteer? The time commitment is low, but the return you get in knowing you helped save a life or put out a fire is high. If interested in becoming a volunteer with the South Farmingdale Fire Department stop down for an application at 819 South Main St., South Farmingdale, NY 11735, call 249-4250 or log onto www.sffd970.com.