Christie postpones Halloween celebrations in New Jersey

Gov. Chris Christie wants Halloween trick-or-treaters to hold off making the rounds until next week and has signed an executive order urging families to postpone today's celebration.

Christie wants Halloween postponed to Monday, Nov. 5.

Christie said the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy has made it too dangerous for door-to-door visits.

"I've taken this action to minimize additional risks to lives and the public safety as we begin the process of rebuilding and recovering from Hurricane Sandy," Christie said in a statement. "In too many communities in our state, the damage and losses from this storm are still being sorted out, and dangerous conditions abound even as our emergency management and response officials continue their work.

Christie called the postponement a "common sense and necessary step," citing flooding, fallen trees, downed power lines, roadway closures, and disruptions in electrical service.

Local officials are to advise and notify and encourage their communities and residents to delay any planned celebrations until Monday, Christie said.

Bob Jordan writes for the Asbury Park Press