(Seguin) — Is your neighborhood ready for National Night Out 2022?
Registration is now underway for the national event that brings out neighbors in a stand against crime.
Sarah Wallace, the community engagement officer for the Seguin Police Department, says the police and Seguin Fire/EMS departments invite residents to participate in this year’s event scheduled for the evening of Tuesday, Oct. 4.
She says over the years, the event has expanded to include block parties, potlucks, live music and visits from police officers, firefighters, and government officials.
“It’s really just about bringing the first responders and this community together and during the night, we pretty much have some really excellent conversations. People get to ask some questions that they may have as to what might be going on within the PD, within the city, within the fire department. It’s just a really great chance one, to grow that relationship with our community as well as talk about some things that are going on and hopefully prevent our citizens from being victims just by giving some quick little crime prevention tips on how to prevent crime such as locking your cars, making sure you’re shutting your garage, locking your doors all of that good stuff so we are so excited. Our community has been really great in the past in hosting parties. It’s also a great chance to know your neighbors, all of these brand-new communities out there – an excellent chance to bring neighbors out and we also have city officials that go around as well so a great chance to know your city government and the people that are in charge of running the city,” said Wallace.
Wallace says National Night Out began in 1984 with the goal of encouraging neighbors to come out of their homes, turn on their front porch lights and show a united front against crime.
She says today that effort has evolved into a more vital opportunity for folks to connect with one another especially in Seguin with so many new subdivisions and neighborhoods popping up all over town.
“You can make it as small or large as you want and when you sign up, we put it on our list to come out and visit. We have had some that just keep it nice and simple and just hang out and talk to their neighbors and then, we have had some that have had bounce houses, food, drinks all that fun stuff so you really can make it as large or as small as you would like,” said Wallace.
Registration to host a National Night Out party or gathering is not required, but Wallace says it’s the only way to request a visit from the Seguin Police Department, Seguin Fire Department or by a city official during your party.
To ensure a visit from someone, you must register by 5 p.m. Oct. 3.
The online registration form is available by visiting the Seguin PD Facebook page or the city of Seguin website.