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Event promotes awareness, community involvement
By Heather M. Goodwin, hgoodwin@starlocalnews.com
For more than 10 years Southlake has held a local National Night Out, and this year, it is expecting another high turnout for the event.
National Night Out will take place from 6-8 p.m. Oct. 2 at the Southlake Town Square, 1256 Main St. directly in front of the gazebo. The event will include giveaways for children and adults including public safety information. In addition, the Southlake DPS will have police and fire vehicles on hand.
"We'll have a fire truck, police cars and a police patrol motorcycle on display for people to see and explore," said Kim Leach, DPS community relations coordinator/PIO. "The children love crawling in and out of the fire trucks, and the police patrol motorcycle is always a big hit. One of the best parts is seeing the children getting on the motorcycles and getting photos. They're always so excited about that."
The 29th annual National Night Out is sponsored by National Association of Town Watch (NATW). It was held Aug. 7 in some states, but Texas holds the event later in the year to avoid the summer heat.
Southlake's event will include many activities for children. Leach said last year the DPS ran out of giveaways due to the high number of attendees. She said safety information gifts such as braclets and stickers will be given as well as police badge stickers, frisbees, emergency preparedness information and gun safety locks.
National Night Out is being held at the end of National Emergency Preparedness Month, which is celebrated in September. The emergency management uses that month to encourage residents to get their home, school, church or business ready in case of an emergency. Leach said having National Night Out tied closely to National Emergency Preparedness Month is a great way to continue reminding residents to be ready in case of an emergency.
Leach said during September, the city of Southlake's DPS division is providing information and tips to help residents plan ahead. For example, preparing a fully equipped emergency kit and a plan to get family, students, church members and employees safely out of situations.
"This event is all about public safety and preparing for an emergency before it happens. As far as emergency preparedness goes, we want residents to have a kit to grab and go if they need it," Leach said. "People usually only see us [DPS] in times of nee, but this is a great opportunity for residents to meet us in a relaxed atmosphere."
Leach said it's also a great time for police and fire to get together and meet residents. She said it's similar to a block party in the middle of town, and it helps connect children with law enforcement officers and firefighters.
Leach said National Night Out is also a good opportunity to meet neighbors and to get involved with community anticrime programs such as SPIN and SPARK.
"We're in this together, and it's good that people come out and see how they can help the department," Leach said. "This year we're expecting a bigger crowd than last year because we've been getting the word out and planning far in advance."
For information contact Kim Leach at 817-748-8239 or Renni Burt at 817-748-8349.
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