Chatham may see a lighter trick-or-treating year than residents are accustomed to, thanks to the many wires and branches still on the ground from last weekend's early winter storm.

Since school is closed Friday, trick-or-treating could start well before the sun sets at 5:51 p.m. Anyone trick-or-treating later should carry a flashlight.

The Chatham Township and Chatham Borough Police Departments ask residents to trick-or-treat between 3 and 6 p.m. only, due to the danger from wires and tree limbs.

Here are a few other safety tips for trick-or-treating:

When donning costumes:

• Costumes should not be too long or restrict movement.
• Some masks can obstruct vision and make it difficult for your child to see when walking or crossing the street. Consider using face paint instead.
• Make sure your children are able to see and breathe properly and easily if using facial masks.
• Some costumes, along with the excitement of Halloween, can encourage aggressive behavior. Even fake knives, swords and other accessories can scare people. Make sure your child understands this and that any potentially dangerous items are made of cardboard or other flexible.

For parents:

• Trick-or-treat in groups. Young children should always be accompanied by an adult.
• Set a plan. Know where your child is going and what houses they are going to. Your child should check in at regular intervals if they will not be accompanied by an adult. By doing this you will be able to account for your children's whereabouts.
• Agree on an appropriate curfew time and make sure someone from the group has a watch and if possible a cell phone.
• Send your child out with a small bag of treats from homes that are safe to eat. Make them understand that they should not eat any candy they receive while trick or treating until Mom or Dad have checked all of the candy.

For trick-or-treaters:

• Only walk on well lit streets. Use sidewalks were available. Never take shortcuts, and never go into isolated areas. Cross the street only at corners when possible.
• Carry a flashlight or glow stick when traveling during the evening hours.
• Never ever eat anything that is unwrapped, has a hole in the wrapper or looks tampered with.
• Teach your children to stay alert for any suspicious incidents and report any suspicious incidents to police.
• Teach your children to draw attention to themselves if anyone tries to grab them. They should loudly yell, “This person is trying to take me,” or “This person is not my father/mother.” Instruct your children to make every effort to escape by walking, running, or pulling away; yelling; kicking; attracting attention; and/or otherwise resisting.
• Do not enter someone's house!
• Do not accept rides from strangers!
• Have fun!