National Night Out 2017: a time to enjoy community and safety

Aug. 1 promises to be a night of lights, sirens and cameras for many Lamorindans as they celebrate a great excuse for a summer party during National Night Out.

The evening has become an annual event for many - a chance to meet local police and fire representatives (and inspect their shiny vehicles), grab the ear of an elected official or catch up on neighborhood topics.

The NNO website says 38 million neighbors in 16,000 communities have been exposed to the community building campaign since it was established in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania suburbs in 1984. The organization grew out of a desire to unite local neighborhood watch programs under the umbrella organization National Association of Town Watch. Today participants come from every state, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide.

"National Night Out is a great opportunity for the community to meet their first responders and get information on how to be better prepared in their own homes," said Moraga-Orinda Fire District Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Dennis Rein. He spends the evening driving to and from every party, bringing emergency preparedness information and explaining Community Emergency Response Team classes and ham radio service opportunities for volunteers throughout Lamorinda.

Lafayette began holding neighborhood mixers several years ago and Orinda as early as 2007; the program became a coordinated effort in all three communities in 2014. Look for information about an NNO event near you on social media.

However many neighborhoods participate in 2017, there is always room for more next year. Future volunteers can buttonhole Rein at their local party, contact his office at drein@mofd.org or go online to learn more at https://natw.org/about.

"We really thank the hosts of these events. They're doing a great service to their neighborhoods," Rein said.

Some NNO gatherings for 2017:

Lafayette: Black Forest Ct.

Moraga: Rheem Valley Manor, Stafford Road at Fernwood Drive

Orinda: St. Stephen's neighborhood, 66 St. Stephen's Drive



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