NEW: Second Rhode Island Community Cancels Halloween

NEW: Second Rhode Island Community Cancels Halloween

South Kingstown is now the second town in Rhode Island to cancel Halloween, in response to damage from Hurricane Sandy. According to a statement on the Town's website, the combination of "downed trees and power lines from Hurricane Sandy and the lack of electricity throughout our community ... makes it unsafe for children to trick or treat at this time." South Kingstown plans to celebrate Halloween on Saturday instead.

Westerly, hit hard by the effects of the megastorm which battered the East Coast on Monday and Tuesday, has postponed its official downtown Halloween activities until November 7.

Meanwhile Governor Linc Chafee has issued a statement today urging Rhode Islanders to trick or treat with caution, given the widespread damage in the wake of this week's devastating hurricane.

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

"Some fun after a difficult few days"

"Halloween offers an opportunity for Rhode Island children and families to have some fun after a difficult few days for our state," said Chafee in an official statement released today. "However, due to Hurricane Sandy, this Halloween will be different, and I urge all Rhode Islanders to exercise abundant caution, particularly after dark."

Reminding that Rhode Island is still dealing with the effects of Hurricane Sandy, including extensive damage to roadways and sidewalks, fallen trees, downed power lines, and widespread power outages, "Anyone out – whether driving or on foot – in areas with debris and without power must exercise extreme caution and vigilance," said Chafee.