[UPDATE] Explosions at Boston Marathon: Westchester Takes Local Security Precautions

Westchester County is reacting to the deadly explosions near the finish line of the Boston Marathon today by increasing security throughout the county.

A county police spokesman said Westchester has deployed its aviation unit helicopter and its marine unit on the Hudson River. The county's bomb squad is on standby and security has been increased at Westchester County Airport.

The helicopter is conducting aerial surveillance of critical infrastructure around the county.

“My heart goes out to the victims and their families of the horrific tragedy at the Boston Marathon. As a result of the events in Boston, Westchester County is on a heightened level of readiness," said Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino. "I have ordered Westchester County Police to immediately take a number of precautionary actions including the deployment of the Aviation Unit helicopter to conduct aerial surveillance of critical infrastructure around the county and the Marine Unit to do the same along the Hudson River.

"County bomb dogs are conducting sweeps of county buildings including the County Courthouse," Astorino added. "Police presence has been stepped up at areas such as the Kensico Dam and other vital locations. We have also increased security at Westchester County Airport. I ask Westchester County residents to remain vigilant and keep the people of Boston in their thoughts and prayers."

In Rockland County, the Sheriff's Department says it is monitoring the situation in Boston and determining whether local security measures are needed. Bomb technicians in Rockland are on alert, and police departments throughout the county are alerting officers to be especially watchful of public buildings and facilities, major shopping areas, transportation hubs and houses of worship.

For updates on the situation in Boston, click here. 

For a list of runners from our area who were schedule to be in the marathon, click here.

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More coverage:

• Marathon Explosion: Tell Family You're Safe with Red Cross Site   http://backbay.patch.com/articles/marathon-explosion-tell-family-you-re-safe-with-red-cross-site
• Scores Injured by Explosion at Boston Marathon Finish Line    http://backbay.patch.com/articles/scores-injured-by-explosion-at-boston-marathon-finish-line
• Several MBTA Services Suspended Following Marathon Explosion   http://backbay.patch.com/articles/several-mbta-services-suspended-following-marathon-explosion
• Newtown Runners Reportedly 'Safe' Following Boston Tragedy   http://newtown.patch.com/articles/scores-injured-by-explosion-at-boston-marathon-finish-line-d3f4cc42?123
• Foxborough Resident Maria Stephanos Describes Boston Marathon Explosion as ‘Very Chaotic’     http://foxborough.patch.com/articles/foxborough-resident-maria-stephanos-describes-boston-marathon-explosion-as-very-chaotic
• Witness: 'All of a Sudden Everyone Turned Around and Was Running in the Opposite Direction'    http://fenwaykenmore.patch.com/articles/witness-all-of-a-sudden-everyone-turned-around-and-was-running-in-the-opposite-direction-dda86e1a#video-14004293
• Marathon Bombings: Important Phone Numbers, Websites   http://fenwaykenmore.patch.com/articles/marathon-bombings-important-phone-numbers-websites
• PHOTOS: Explosions at Boston Marathon    http://fenwaykenmore.patch.com/articles/photos-explosions-at-boston-marathon
• PHOTOS: Police Respond to Marathon Bombing    http://fenwaykenmore.patch.com/articles/photos-police-respond-to-marathon-bombing
• Amazing story of a nurse tending to a marathon running Army vet when the bomb went off    http://bit.ly/ZtBsMW