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Suburban Residents Worry About Security After Seaside Park, Chelsea Bombings

MASSAPEQUA PARK, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Is vigilance the key to keeping safe?

In the wake of the bombing incidents this past weekend in Seaside Park and Chelsea, many in the suburbs told CBS2's Jennifer McLogan that they were worried that their neighborhoods could be next.

A suburban garbage bin on a suburban street is as mundane a sight as can be. But is it safe to walk past?

Residents and commuters told CBS2 the weekend incidents underscore a sense of vulnerability.

"I go to school in Manhattan," a woman said. "It's scary to know that all of this is happening."

"You just have to be smart and pray to God that nothing happens," a man said.

Such violence can erupt anywhere at any time. Courage and calm resolve are needed, local elected officials said.

"We have to go ahead with our lives and realize that we're safer than anyone else in the world. At the same time, realize there is a terror threat," said Long Island U.S. Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.) "And if we see something, say something."

Already, security fencing was going up Monday at Hofstra University in Hempstead, in anticipation of Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump's upcoming presidential debate.

"The single largest security issue coming up next week, where we're tasked to secure the debate with our federal and state partners as well, and so we are heightened alert," said Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano.

"We see a lot of law enforcement presence like on the strip and around Hofstra, so I feel pretty safe on campus now," a man added.

And while anxiety after the blast is a normal reaction, some advised not to dwell on it.

"You are more likely to be hurt or killed or injured by someone you know, as opposed to some random terrorist attack," a man said.

But local leaders also regularly emphasize that New York City is the world's prime terrorist target, so even the suburbs are not safe. All citizens are urged to help police with tips, cooperation and vigilance.

Nassau County, for one, now plans to add 150 police officers to its force next year.

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