Across the country communities celebrate National Night Out on the evening of August 7. By participating you will join people in over 100 cities in the state of Washington. Over 37 million people and 15,000 communities across the nation celebrate America’s National Night Out.

Locally, the evening has been called Neighbors Night Out, the emphasis being on neighborhoods and a chance to socialize with those around you. Gatherings in the communities of Enumclaw, Buckley and Black Diamond strengthen the vitality of each neighborhood and will make the Plateau a healthier place to live.

This is a chance for neighbors to build neighborhood spirit. Our community will be healthier if we know who lives beside us, if a friendly smile can be shared more often, if a helping hand can be offered more readily. Young children benefit from other pairs of watchful eyes. Are there some individuals with special needs that in an emergency would welcome assistance? Who in your neighborhood has special skills? Enhancing neighborhood camaraderie will always be beneficial.

Your get-together can be of any size, in front or back yards, providing an opportunity for people to meet, socialize and get to know one another. It can be as simple as root beer floats, a shared barbecue or a block party with music and dancing! Anyone can arrange such a gathering.

This is a perfect opportunity for firefighters, first responders or police to meet with neighborhood gatherings in a nonemergency situation. Feel free to contact and invite them to your gathering. By knowing each other, watching out for and being aware of normal patterns of activity in one’s neighborhood, everyone gains from increased security and a sense of community.

This year’s theme – if you want one – is Emergency Preparedness. What can you do to help your family and neighbors in the event of a community disaster? Information on Alert King County and the upcoming emergency preparedness symposium, WASART, will be available on our web site below.

For more information on planning an event in your neighborhood please contact NeighborsNightOut.org or Mary at 360-761-9319.

Mary E. Bartley

Enumclaw