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.
Mr. Flynn did you not notice the word "Recommendation" or "Advising" and it was coming from the Chief of Police and Emergency Management. You would probably be the first to complain or sue if one of your family members got hurt by falling in a hole, hit by a branch in the eye, or God-forbid electrocuted by a power line. I am not one for the Government telling me what to do, however in light of the recent weather I appreciate that our Town Executives have made this recommendation, especially because up here in Tashua there are still wires on the ground. However, I think rational Parents can make their own decisions. Good call Chief Keily.
This is a safety issue, with downed power lines. Some neighborhoods are hit worse than others. Is it really that traumatic to trick or treat this weekend? I don't know about you, but my kids (of varying ages) are running in the dark all over the place on Halloween. Pretty much all of the other kids I see are doing the same. Between downed limbs, trees that are currently hanging on power lines or about to fall over, and the power lines themselves, I appreciate the concern for the safety of kids in this town. While I have not been a Herbst supporter on many issues, I have zero problems with him sending out a "recommendation" to stay safe. Like Mark, who I have argued with frequently, I am also in Tashua and appreciate the "recommendation".
The Governor also recommended that kids not trict or treat tonight. Is it OK for the Governor to take such a stand but inappropriate for first selectmen of several towns to do so? You have the right to make your own decision and hopefully none of your kids or visitors were hurt. But you were warned of abnormal danger. Some of you people cannot sheath your political fangs over anything, including a warning of danger to young kids.
Sometimes being a parent means kids are disappointed but safety has to be the priority.
There are a lot of parents who are extremely disappointed in the Herbst administration and its blueprint for education. Then they got a slap in the face with the nomination of Ms Cindy Penkoff for BOE. So when Trumbull Day as we knew it, and Halloween gets canceled under his watch we tend to be a bit more sensitive. Right or wrong that is my take on the overreaction.
I haven't heard of any charges pressed against many kids and parents who did go out (including a few who visisted my house last night who we hapily gave Candy to). In fact, in life you can make lemonade from lemons. My kids think this year is great, they got Candy last night, and they get to go out and get more candy on Saturday. I understand why many are upset with Tim about education, Trumbull Day, and a bunch of the politics ... but this one was sort of a no-brainer (every town with power issues did the same thing) ... and it was harmless and thoughtful. People who find themselves feeling hatred or abnormal levels of animosity over politics should check themselves.