On the Fourth of July, we celebrate our nation’s founding. We extol the virtues of the country’s founders. We reflect on the common wisdom put forth in our Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. We remember the sacrifices of those who came before us. We contemplate what made us the strongest democracy on the planet. And, of course, we blow things up, light stuff up, drink too much and engage in all kinds of behavior that our mothers warned us against. This editorial is going to focus on the latter.

For sure, have fun on this extra-long holiday weekend. We all deserve a breather, a break from the daily grind. No one would blame you for wanting time away from cable TV news, national politics and long morning commutes to work. We need the kind of fun where no one thinks to utter the words “polarization,” “impeachment,” “Samuel Alito” or “Hunter’s laptop,” and the only talk of inflation is what’s happening to our waistlines as we gobble down an extra serving of grandma’s smoked ribs. But as you enjoy the day — or days — look out for your fellow Tampa Bay residents. Grant them grace when they mistakenly cut you off in the beach parking lot. Thank the people who don’t have the day off, the people serving you food and the ones keeping you safe.

Speaking of safety, be careful out there. And, at the risk of sounding like Principal Gatehouse from fourth grade, be responsible.

Step one: Leave the celebratory gunfire for old Western movies. Every Fourth of July, too many yahoos unleash an inexplicable barrage skyward, as if God himself will catch the flying rounds before they tumble back to earth — and into someone’s leg, arm or head.

Step two: Slow down on the roads. It’s supposed to be a relaxing holiday, not the sequel to “Mad Max: Fury Road.” Let’s save another Florida Highway Patrol trooper the agony of having to inform yet another family that their loved one died while speeding to get to the beach or the bar or the picnic — or worse, drinking and driving.

Step three: Handle fireworks with care. You’ve got 10 good fingers. Keep all of them. And accidentally starting a wildfire isn’t any fun either.

Step four: Remember that rip currents are real — and dangerous. We’ve had several high-profile drownings in recent weeks. Before venturing into the Gulf, make sure you know what you are getting into. And at the swimming pool, designate a sober person to keep watch, with a particular eye toward the small kids.

Step five: Chill out. No, really. Take a break from the heat. The heat index is expected to hit triple digits in some areas. Stay hydrated and mostly out of the sun. Have a plan and watch for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Here endeth the warnings. Now go forth and have a good Fourth. Have fun. Eat too much. Take a swim. Spend time with family. Heck, dance like George Washington. After all, when Washington wasn’t beating the British or running the country, our first president was known to love a party and could cut a rug with the best of them.

Editorials are the institutional voice of the Tampa Bay Times. The members of the Editorial Board are Editor of Editorials Graham Brink, Sherri Day, Sebastian Dortch, John Hill, Jim Verhulst and Chairman and CEO Conan Gallaty. Follow @TBTimes_Opinion on Twitter for more opinion news.