Sandy Notes: Trick or Treat Moved, Police Still Advise Against Travel

Trick or treat in Manchester has been moved to this weekend and is postponed indefinitely in Lakehurst, local authorities have announced.

Though originally scheduled for Wednesday, Halloween day, clean up and restoration efforts following Hurricane Sandy's battering of Ocean County forced authorities to move trick or treat. 

Manchester police said that children can go door-to-door on Saturday, Nov. 3, from 12 to 9 p.m.

"Due to Hurricane Sandy and with the safety of the children of the township in mind, Halloween trick or treat has been changed," said Lt. Robert Dolan in a statement. "There are still numerous trees and power lines down that endanger everyone, especially children."

Manchester still faces widespread power outages, as JCP&L reports that 70 percent — 17,813 — of its 25,507 customers in the township do not have electricity. 

Authorities in Lakehurst have decided to postpone trick or treat until a later date when power is restored and downed wires and debris are cleared.

"We're waiting for a time when it's safe for children," said the borough's Chief of Police Eric Higgins.

Higgins said that three live power lines fell during the storm, two on Pine Street and one on Union Avenue. 

According to JCP&L, 768 of its 1,257 Lakehurst customers, including the borough's police department and elementary school, remain without electricity. 

The police department is operating on a generator and the records section will be open on Wednesday.

"If anyone needs the police department, we are there," Higgins said.

Police in both Manchester and Lakehurst continue to ask residents to stay off roads unless travel is absolutely necessary. Dark traffic signals, especially along Route 37, are dangerous and should be avoided by staying home.

"If people don't need to be on the roadways, I ask that they stay home," Higgins said.

Capt. Lisa Parker of the Manchester Police Department again said that residents should stay home if possible so crews can complete restoration efforts. Utility crews have been working throughout both municipalities. Local authorities have not been giving any timeframe on when electricity may be fully restored; JCP&L has said that it may take 7 to 10 days for service to return. 

The Manchester Municipal Complex is expected to be closed Wednesday. Officials will try to open Lakehurst Borough Hall.