Jul 3, 2008 7:08 pm US/Eastern
NYC Bumps Up Safety Measures For Holiday Fireworks
By CBS 2's Carolyn Costello
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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NYC is taking every possible measure to secure a safe July 4th celebration across the city.
AP
From fireworks to beach barbeques, millions of New Yorkers are looking to celebrate this Fourth of July weekend. While the city says it has bumped up safety measures and security, some are afraid enough isn't being done.
Almost everyone is looking forward to good times this holiday weekend.
"I'm having people on my roof deck," said an unidentified New Yorker, "we'll probably watch the fireworks."
But the city has a message for New Yorkers celebrating Independence Day.
"We just don't want any tragedies," said Mayor Bloomberg.
Officials are reminding New Yorkers that fireworks are illegal and dangerous. Police say they've already confescated 20,000 pounds of the colorful explosives so far this year. Early Thursday morning, police seized 40 cartons from a house on Staten Island, arresting Stephen Crea.
"He had two children in the house as well. It is extremely dangerous," said Police Commissioner Ray Kelly.
On the city's beaches, lifeguards will watch over swimmers and sunbathers, but as CBS 2 first reported exclusively in May, EMT's will not patrol the shores.
"So you may wind up dead if you come to the beach. It's kind of a big problem," said EMT spokesperson Robert Unger.
Unger joined the Bronx borough president on Thursday, calling the city's decision to pull EMT's from beach patrols a "crisis."
"It is unconscionable that we as a city have decided to pull medical staff from our beaches and expose public to such danger," said Bronx Borough President Aldolfo Carrion.
But Fire Commissioner Nick Scoppetta pointed out that lifeguards are CPR-certified, and he believes there's a greater need for EMT's on the street than in the water.
"It's not efficient to deploy EMT's on gators on beaches. We only get 200 calls for the entire summer," said Scoppetta.
The city is also increasing DWI patrols and setting up checkpoints for the holiday weekend. While Kelly says there are no specific threats of terrorism, it is always a factor when planning for big events.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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