PITTSBURGH — With as many as 100,000 people expected to enjoy the Fourth of July festivities in the City of Pittsburgh, public safety officials addressed concerns about the projected 90-degree temperatures and recent teen violence.
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Final preparations are underway at Point State Park, Market Square and on the North Shore for all of the big events, including concerts, ferris wheel rides and the largest fireworks display in the city’s history. But as the heat wave continues, public safety officials are urging attendees to stay hydrated, limit alcohol consumption, take frequent breaks, and stay in the shade if possible.
“There will be cooling centers, cooling resources at the event. CitiParks and EMA will provide water buffalo stations, misting stations, and free cooling towels,” Pittsburgh Bureau of EMS Chief Amera Gilchrist said.
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Gilchrist said those resources will be clearly identified throughout the event’s footprint. She said there will be additional ambulances, motorcycles and medic carts deployed for rapid response in case of heat emergencies, including heat stroke.
“That’s when the body temperature gets high, confusion sets in, hot dry skin, rapid pulse, and possible loss of consciousness,” Gilcrist said.
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As for safety concerns, officials said city police officers will be out in full force on foot, bike and horseback. They’ll be joined by state troopers, Allegheny County police and officers from several other agencies. This year, the bureau’s drone unit will also be present.
“This is a family event, and we want families to come down, but I want to be very clear that nuisance and disruptive behavior will not be tolerated,” Pittsburgh Public Safety Director Sheldon Williams said.
“We care deeply about our young people, and we want them to celebrate with us, but they must do so safely and responsibly,” Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Chief Jason Lando said.
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No chaperone policy will be in place in Market Square, as is the case for all events that require a permit. It would be up to the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership to implement one this weekend, but city officials hope it won’t come to that.
“This is a challenge to the parents: I want the parents to not just drop your children off,” Assistant Public Safety Director Cornell Jones said. “Park your car too, or get off that bus, and you be a part of that process to be able to hang with your children, to be able to experience the amazing things we have going on.”
There will be no parking on North Shore Drive, Mazeroski Way or West General Robinson Street all day on July 4.
Beginning at 11 a.m.:
- North Shore Drive will be closed completely until the end of the event
- Art Rooney Avenue will be closed at West General Robinson Street
- West General Robinson Street will be closed at Chuck Noll Way with access to the parking lot.
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