White Plains police announced increased security measures ahead of Thursday night's Fourth of July fireworks display.

They say the goal was to ensure a safe environment for residents to celebrate the holiday weekend.

News 12 previously reported that law enforcement agencies around the country have stepped up patrols for the holiday weekend amid a heightened terror alert from the Department of Homeland Security.

But officials say they don't want the alert to keep anyone from celebrating Independence Day.

About a dozen pyrotechnicians began setting up at White Plains High School at around 10 a.m. The holiday fireworks show included 650 shells and 2,000 pounds of explosives.

The new explosives used this year were faster, brighter and louder, technicians say. But as the sky lit up, there was also a greater police presence on the ground. White Plains police deployed in bomb-sniffing dogs and extra emergency service units.