Halloween Not Canceled In Westport, But Weather Advisory Issued

WESTPORT, CT — Though Tuesday's annual Halloween Parade was moved indoors due to the weather, trick-or-treating has not been canceled in Westport for Thursday night, but town officials are warning residents to expect a very wet Halloween.

Members of Westport's Emergency Management Team and First Selectman Jim Marpe discussed the weather forecast for Halloween and the effect it may have on trick-or-treating in town, including the possibility moving Halloween to Friday or Saturday due to the expected showers.

"Due to the fact that trick-or-treating is not a Town-sponsored event, the Team agreed that it is best to leave the decision up to families and individual neighborhoods to change the night within their own neighborhood," officials said in a statement.

"According to the National Weather Service meteorologists, current models indicate that there is a chance for a brief window of drying between 2 pm to 6 pm, and the heavy rains and wind will be after 9 pm."

The Emergency Management Team is recommending that parents closely supervise all trick-or-treaters, and only participate in door-to-door trick-or-treating close to home in familiar areas this year.

Additionally, the Westport Police Department offers the following safety tips for trick-or-treating:

• Motorists are urged to drive with extreme care and to allow for extra time to reach destinations, as trick-or-treaters will surely be out on Thursday evening, October 31. Please use the utmost caution when exiting driveways. Please don’t drink and drive.
• Parents or other responsible adults should accompany all elementary school-age children in their travels. Younger children should complete their rounds by 6:00 pm, older ones by 8:00 pm. Agree on a specific time when older youths are due home and plan a route with them in advance.
• Costumes should be easily visible and marked with reflectorized tape, and/or flashlights should be carried at all times. When choosing a costume, stay away from long trailing fabric that could create a fall hazard. Opt for face paint instead of a mask. If your child is wearing a mask, make sure the eye holes are large enough so they can see out of it.
• Travel in small groups to increase safety. Encourage children to stay in their own neighborhoods where they are known.
• Children should only go to the houses where outside lights are on. A darkened house is not prepared to receive them. The police department receives complaints annually regarding doorbells being rung, even though the lights are out.