National Night Out is a nation-wide program to encourage neighbors to get together at a block party, ice cream social, potluck, or other outdoor event to build neighborhood unity. The important feature of any block-party is to establish a way to be in touch with each other when needed. Call for questions or details.
The NSHD, Inc. will not sponsor a neighborhood-wide event for National Night Out. Instead, plan a block party for your block, or several blocks. Invite new neighbors and old neighbors to socialize on your block. It can be simple, come for coffee and dessert, or complex, such as having a BBQ. Remember to exchange phone numbers and email addresses so everyone can communicate with neighbors.
Neighbors who know neighbors look out for each other. Unity is the first defense against crime.
A good resource for planning a Block Party, and for setting up an official Block Watch, is Tacoma's Safe Streets organization. You can call for advice, to copy a flyer for your event, to register for a visit from Tacoma Police and Fire Department, or to set up a Safe Streets meeting at someone's home to establish an official Block Watch.
Research shows that when neighbors know each other, neighbors are safer.
Safe Streets phone number to get started is: 253-272-6824. The Safe Street website is: safest.org
