The birth of our nation is always a good reason to celebrate.

This year in particular, it’s also a good reason to be extra careful.

The average July 4th holiday is always one of the most dangerous holidays of the year. Any time you have fireworks and alcohol as part of the revelry, you’re just asking for trouble.

The statistics bear that out.

But this year, the dangers are compounded. So the standard annual message isn’t enough.

First, the Fourth falls on a Saturday instead of a weekday, meaning an extended period of celebration that’s already begun for some and which no doubt will peak tonight, Friday and Saturday. That means more opportunities for fireworks-related trouble — including personal injuries, fires and community disturbances. It also means more drinking days — and more opportunities for people to be getting drunk and crashing motor vehicles and boats.

It’s also supposed to be insanely hot and humid, sending more people into the water and exposing more people to the effects of overheating.

For the responsible adults in the room, this is the time to step up and be extra alert for dangers lurking all around.

Let’s start with the fireworks.

Someone posted a meme the other day with the message, “Little does someone know that they will end the weekend with less than all 10 fingers.” A little ghoulish, for sure, but the message is on point.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were 13,000 people injured by fireworks in 2025, with about 75........

© The Leader Herald