Security ramps up for Fourth of July Mark Nichols

Police plan to use several timetested tools and strategies — and a few new ones — to keep revelers safe this year at some of the nation’s largest July Fourth celebrations.

While authorities insist there have been no specific threats, security has become a pressing concern this holiday weekend after recent terror attacks overseas on “soft targets” — events and facilities where large numbers of people gather.

In Boston, police will be deploying a tethered drone for the first time to catch aerial views of the crowd and activities during the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, which could attract 500,000 along the Charles River.

New York City police will mount nearly 120 sand-filled trucks and “blocker vehicles” near popular viewing spots in Manhattan during the Macy’s Fireworks Show and other July Fourth events.

NYPD plans to assign several thousand-uniformed officers to patrol during the event. Officers at checkpoints will be equipped with radiation detectors for bag searches.

Event-goers may also see members of NYPD’s heavily armed “striker team” on patrol.

“See this as a good thing,” New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said.

Washington, D.C., authorities also are making vehicle-related attacks a priority in security planning for events such as the Smithsonian Folk Life Festival and A

Capitol Fourth concert on the National Mall.

The National Parks Service and U.S. Park Police plan to place large fences around the Mall on Monday.

Security checkpoints also will be set up for anyone going into the Mall area.