Get your block party ready -‘Night Out’ is next week

Next Tuesday, August 7, is Night Out Against Crime, a national event that brings people out into the streets for neighborhood block parties all over the city. It’s organized by the Seattle Police Department, and is an effort to heighten crime prevention and awareness and increase neighborhood safety.

You still have time to register your block at this website.  SPD says most non-arterial streets can be blocked off without a fee, so you and your neighbors can take over your street. The theme for Night Out is “Together – Safer Neighborhoods,” and goes from 6 to 10 p.m. After you sign up your block, you can add your event to the public map (optional) and invite your neighbors by printing off the materials on the SPD website. They say street closure signs are available too.

Terrie Johnston, North Precinct Block Watch Coordinator, wrote to us with the following reminders:

• Please remember that arterials, bus routes and intersections cannot be blocked, and that your street closure can only cover a single block.
• You must put barriers at the ends of the streets to be blocked, and display signs indicating this is a Night Out event and the hours the street will be closed.
• The City does not provide barriers, so you need to come up with something on your own.  Most people use sawhorses, garbage or recycling cans, folding chairs, etc.  DO NOT BLOCK THE STREET WITH CARS!
• Designate a few neighbors to keep an eye on the street ends, should an emergency vehicle or neighbor need access to the block.
• Please notify everyone on the block about the event in advance.  Forms, invitations and reminders are available on our website.
• If your event includes music, please be considerate of surrounding neighbors especially if your music is amplified.
• The official hours for Night Out are 6:00 – 10:00 p.m., with most gatherings occurring from 7 pm – 9 pm.  If you begin earlier you may interfere with commute times.

In addition to the Night Out, SPD is hosting Picnic at the Precinct where residents can meet and talk to precinct officers about crime issues and problems in the neighborhood. There will also be fun activities, entertainment, and free food. The picnic is on Saturday, August 11 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the North Precinct office (10049 College Way N.).