The 4th of July celebration is just around the corner, and as New Yorkers prepare to enjoy the long weekend and the return of Macy’s fireworks show over the East River, the call of agencies and authorities of New York is to celebrate with caution.
This holiday weekend the Big Apple offers all kinds of activities, from outings to beaches, use of public swimming pools, preparation of outdoor barbecues , and events in the five boroughs, but the goal is to have fun, combined with the implementation of basic safety regulations so that there are no events to regret.
That is the call of the Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY), which presented a series of key safety recommendations to have a calm 4th of July, warning that no one should launch fireworks on their own, not only because it is dangerous but also because it is prohibited by the law.
“The warmer weather will certainly encourage New Yorkers to participate in various Independence Day activities to kick off the summer and home fire safety doesn’t stop at the door – there are still plenty of fire risks outside the home to be aware of. We want all residents and their families to stay safe as they celebrate the upcoming 4th of July,” said FASNY President John P. Farrell.
The State Firefighters Association added that they should not be picked up or attempt to relight used fireworks, as they can cause serious burns or injuries.
The Macy’s Fireworks Show will return this Monday, July 4 at 9: 25 pm, with five barges deployed between the streets 23rd and 48nd on the East River, which will last 25 minutes. To ensure the safety of the event and attendees who will be able to see the lights, the NYPD will deploy officers to restrict movement and automobile traffic along the waterfront on both sides of the river.
The Parks Department of the City of New York did the same by issuing recommendations to avoid risks in swimming pools and beaches, and above all it highlighted that swimming is prohibited when lifeguards are not on duty, just like in closed sections.
“Lifeguards are there to protect you, so only swim when and where lifeguards are on duty. A drowning can happen in seconds. It is important to follow instructions and always swim with a partner, friend or parent”, assured the municipal agency responsible for beaches and swimming pools. “Never leave children unattended near water, even when lifeguards are on duty.”
On barbecues, the Parks Department urged New Yorkers to follow safety protocols, while recalled that for events that exceed 20 people, a special permit must be processed.
“Be careful when making barbecues and keep a safe distance from users , children and trees. Please be courteous to others and clean the area carefully before leaving,” the agency said, noting that park rules prohibit using propane gas, barbecuing in unauthorized areas, or next to trees, tree roots, or buildings.
“All charcoal and matches must be disposed of in designated red barrels. Please don’t put anything flammable in a regular garbage barrel. Use water to extinguish embers. Embers or matches thrown incorrectly can cause significant damage to our parks”, they warned.
The authorities issued a warning about the high temperatures that will occur in the Big Apple and pointed out that it is urgent that those who do not have enough air conditioners, look for a cooling center to stay cool.
“The hot and humid weather of summer can cause heat illnesses and even death.”
Regarding health measures related to COVID to avoid the expansion of infections, with the current positivity rate of 10.3%, with 3,412 cases, 81 hospitalizations and 8 daily deaths, Health authorities insisted on the importance of wearing masks indoors.
Likewise, the Department of Health continues to make its call so that those who have not yet been vaccinated against COVID or those who do not have booster doses, are immunized, and access COVID tests to know their status and avoid spreading it to other people.
“New York City may have been at the epicenter of the pandemic at the beginning, but now we are leading the way in prevention and mitigation. Our mobile Test to Treat program will save lives today and prepare us for future waves, keeping more of us safe and healthy,” said Mayor Eric Adams.
Other recommendations from authorities to this holiday weekend has to do with not driving under the influence of alcohol, in order to avoid road accidents and fatalities.
ConEdison for its part also issued an alert for this weekend in the who asked to limit the use of electricity in some neighborhoods of the Big Apple, in order to prevent power outages.
4th of July Fireworks Details
- The show will have a barrage of 48,000 lighting projectiles and pyrotechnic effects.
- 5 barges deployed between the streets 23rd and 42nd on the East River
- 25 minutes is the estimated time the fireworks will last
- Since 412, Macy’s 4th of July fireworks have been a tradition
- This July 1st there will also be a celebration at the Fort Hamilton Army Base at 9: 30 pm
- In Coney Island on July 4th, at the Coney Island Beach & Boardwalk, at 9: 25 pm there will be a special event at the Empire Outlets Waterfront
- Keep in air-conditioned spaces and away from the sun
- You can visit NYC Health’s extreme heat page to learn more about how you can stay safe and beat the heat.
- If you go to the beaches, only swim when there are lifeguards nearby.
- Do not swim in restricted areas.
- Be careful with the deep water and only swim where swimming is allowed.
- The first time you enter the water approach or walk, do not jump or dive.
- Never use alcohol while swimming , browse or monitor children near water
- When you are at the beach, pool or park wear a sunscreen sunscreen, drink plenty of fluids, and wear light, loose clothing to keep cool.
- If you are in the water or on the beach and there is thunder or lightning, follow the instructions of lifeguards and beach staff and seek shelter in a building or vehicle.
- Do not attempt to swim directly against a rip current; even a strong swimmer can tire quickly.
- Do not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Propane and charcoal barbecue grills should only be used outdoors.
- Never leave your grill unattended
- Always open the gas grill lid before lighting.
- If using starting fluid, use only carbon starting fluid. Never add liquid charcoal or any other flammable liquid to the fire.
- When you finish grilling , allow embers to cool completely before disposing of them in a metal container
- This Monday, July 4, the fireworks show will return.
- 9: 25 pm is the scheduled time for the start of the fireworks at Macy’s
Details about the beaches and pools for this weekend
- New York City beaches will be open to the public between 10: 00 am and 6: 00 pm with the presence of lifeguards
- The pools around the city will be open between 11: 00 and 3: 00 in the afternoon and between 4: 00 and 7: 00 pm
To know more details about the pools near you , visit this link: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/outdoor-pools
Other helpful tips for staying safe in order long weekdays
- If you don’t have air, find one of the additional cooling sites
- You can visit the link Cool It! to view a map of New York City to find spray showers, mist stations, drinking fountains, and cool spaces throughout the city.
Protect your skin with sunscreen
Be careful not to swim when you are tired, cold or far from a safe place
If you get caught in a rip current, don’t panic. Try to stay calm and start swimming parallel to the shore. Once away from the force of the rip current, you can swim back to the beach.
- The grill must be placed away from the house and the railings of the terrace.
- Keep children and pets away from the grill area