Trumbull: For Safety's Sake Stay Inside Tonight (Update)

Update, 3:15 p.m.

First Selectman Tim Herbst has released the following statement:

“Right now, the Town of Trumbull is working to restore power and clear roads.  Earlier today, the Town of Trumbull, upon the recommendation of the Police Chief and our Emergency Management Team, made the strong recommendation to residents and parents to avoid going out this evening for Halloween. Thirty minutes ago, I received a telephone call from Chief Kiely advising me that the UI Make Safe Crew came upon three downed power lines - - all of which were live wires. Had these wires not been discovered this afternoon and had people gone out this evening and not seen these wires in the dark, a resident or their children could have been seriously injured. I cannot emphasize enough the seriousness of the safety hazards that exist on Town roads.  

School Supt. Ralph Iassogna has not even been able to make the determination as to whether school will open or close tomorrow given the condition of Town roads, downed power lines and those that remain without power. The Superintendent plans on making this decision later today, upon learning additional information.

Again, upon the recommendation of Chief Kiely and the Emergency Management Team, I strongly urge residents to not go out this evening with their children. 

The Town of Trumbull has rescheduled Halloween for this Saturday, November 5, 2011. Other communities in the State of Connecticut are taking the same steps and proceeding with the same date. We believe this will allow Halloween to proceed for Trumbull’s children without compromising their safety or the safety of their parents or any other Trumbull resident. I should also note that the Westfield-Trumbull Mall will be hosting tricker or treaters this evening from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. I encourage all Trumbull residents to  go down to the mall with their children to participate in this event.”

Original Story:

Halloween is not cancelled in Trumbull, but it has been postponed until the roads are clear again, said First Selectman Tim Herbst.

Other towns, like neighboring Monroe, are doing the same.

In a phone recording, Herbst said, "In light of tonight being Halloween, upon the recommendation of the Chief of Police and our Emergency Management Team, we are strongly advising residents to not take children out this evening. With high winds this evening and tree limbs still being a major issue, in the interest of the safety of the children and their parents, we believe this course of action is appropriate."

But Trick or Treaters can go to the today from 3-7 p.m. Children ages 16 and younger accompanied by a parent or guardian, are welcome to trick or treat at the mall. Participating stores will have pumpkins displayed in their windows.

Meanwhile, about 1,100 Trumbull UI customers lacked power at 11 a.m. Monday. If you are in need of sheltering call Trumbull Social Services at 203-452-5199.

Trumbull residents can take showers at the with identification from 6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.