Neighborhoods Encouraged to Participate in National Night Out

National Night Out Takes Place Tuesday, August 2

As a reminder, neighborhoods throughout Naperville are invited to join communities nationwide and participate in the City?s 16th annual National Night Out event from 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, August 2, 2011. Neighborhoods are asked to register their National Night Out event with the City of Naperville by Monday, July 25. To register, please call Graduate Intern Laura Valdez at (630) 305-4020 or e-mail her at valdezl@naperville.il.us. Last year, 35 Naperville neighborhoods participated in National Night Out.

?We strongly encourage all neighborhoods to participate in National Night Out and also register their events with the City,? Community Relations Manager Nadja Lalvani said. ?Members of the Naperville Fire, Police, Public Works and Electric and Water Departments will visit registered events, and I have been told that these visits from City personnel are cherished by all residents, especially children. This is a great opportunity to spend time with your neighbors and friends and meet the City workers that keep Naperville running smoothly and safely.?

To celebrate National Night Out, all residents are encouraged to lock their doors, turn on their outside lights and spend the evening outdoors with their neighbors. Previous Naperville neighborhood events have included block parties, parades and many other social gatherings.

National Night Out is a nationwide event designed to generate support and participation in local anti-crime efforts, strengthen neighborhood spirit and improve the relationship between the community police department and residents. Last year's National Night Out campaign involved citizens, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood organizations and local officials from more than 15,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide. In all, more than 37 million people participated in National Night Out 2010.

All Naperville residents can help keep their neighborhoods safe by simply leaving their outdoor lights lit overnight. Naperville utility customers can leave their outdoor lights on overnight, every night, for less than a nickel per day. Crime prevention statistics indicate that well-lit buildings discourage criminal activity and improve public safety.

For more information on National Night Out, visit www.nationalnightout.org/nno/ or www.naperville.il.us/nno.aspx. For more information on the City of Naperville, visit www.naperville.il.us. Sign up to receive the latest news on the City of Naperville?s projects and initiatives via e-mail at www.naperville.il.us/enews.aspx.