Sandy's Aftermath Poses Halloween Danger, Chief Warns

Teaneck Police Chief Robert Wilson urged parents to keep children indoors and avoid trick-or-treating as downed power lines and storm debris litter township streets. 

Although the town council has not formally enacted a curfew, Wilson said any Halloween trick-or-treating should be limited to nearby neighbors, if at all. Streetlights are out and power lines could be hidden under fallen branches. 

Residents should use caution and common sense when driving on township's roadways, the chief said. Traffic lights are out at nearly all of the town's major intersections. 

More than 10,000 PSE&G customers were without power late Tuesday, according to the company. Utility crews had begun work in Teaneck, but there was no immediate estimate for when power would be restored locally. 

"If you have downed trees on the sides or your backyard, you are allowed to move them to the curb. Please use caution when doing so, and if power lines are down near or on your property, assume they are live and stay clear from them," Councilman Elie Y. Katz wrote in an email to residents. 

Township Manager William Broughton said public works crews had started clearing the at least 123 downed trees. 

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