Southborough police urge caution when trick-or-treating tonight (UPDATED)

Above: Marchers braved the pre-hurricane rain at the annual Halloween Parade on Sunday

For the second year in a row, Halloween trick-or-treating was at risk thanks to a major weather event (last year Snowtober, this year Frankenstorm). But unlike last year, Southborough officials have decided not to postpone tonight’s Halloween celebration.

That means, of course, little ghosts, goblins, princesses, and Jedis will be prowling Southborough neighborhoods for candy this evening. Southborough police have asked parents and residents to use caution when children are out and about tonight. They posted some tips on their Facebook page to help keep everyone safe.

• Stay on sidewalks and obey traffic signals.
• Carry a flashlight and walk, don’t run.
• Plan your trick-or-treating route ahead of time. Try to avoid areas in which debris from Hurricane Sandy is still present.
• Stay in familiar neighborhoods
• Don’t cut across yards or driveways
• (lf no sidewalk) walk on left side of the road facing traffic
• Wear clothing with reflective markings/tape

Police also ask homeowners to make sure their yards are safe and clear of such things as storm debris, ladders, hoses, dog leashes, flower pots, or anything that could trip up the young ones.

In making the announcement yesterday that Halloween would go on as planned, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen John Rooney asked parents and children to be extra vigilant while trick-or-treating. “With adequate parental and adult supervision, the hope is that Halloween, a holiday most kids put near the top of their list, will proceed uninterrupted for the sake of our kids,” he said.

So, get the candy ready, light the jack-o-lantern, and get your kids all dressed up. And then snap a photo and send it to me! I’ll put together a Southborough Halloween gallery for the blog that will delight the kids. Email photos to mysouthborough@gmail.com.

Update 3:45 pm: Town Administrator Mark Purple released the following statement about tonight’s trick-or-treating:

On behalf of the Board of Selectmen, I wanted to wish everyone a Happy Halloween. And yes, trick or treating is on for this evening in Southborough. I have conferred with both Chief Moran and Chief Mauro, and both agree that trick or treating can be done safely given the status of the restoration this morning. However, given that there are still remnants of Hurricane Sandy in the form of downed trees and power lines in some areas, I would urge parents to use their own judgment when considering whether or not to have your children trick or treat. As of this
morning (October 31), National Grid crews are continuing to make progress in getting power back to areas that have been out, but there are still pockets in Town that are without power.

Please take flashlights with you so you can see where you are walking, and stay on sidewalks as much as possible. Residents out driving this evening should use additional caution knowing that there will be numerous ghosts and goblins going from house to house during the early evening hours.

Please be safe, and enjoy the holiday.