5 Things to Know About National Night Out

Aug. 7 is National Night Out, a day designed throughout the country to bolster neighborhood spirit and police-community relations in an effort to keep everyone safer. So in honor of that celebration, we present five things to know about the yearly celebration.

Information from nationalnightout.org.

• Aug. 7—The national day will be held Aug. 7 around the country as a crime and drug prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch. The Bernards Township National Night Out is due to be held from 6 to 9 p.m. at off South Finley Avenue. Bernardsville's National Night Out is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. at the Bernardsville pool, across from the Bedwell School off Seney Drive.
• 37 Million—That is how many people participated in National Night Out in 2011, in 15,000 communities from all 50 states.
• Awareness—National Night Out is designed to heighten drug prevention awareness, generate support for anti-crime programs, strengthen community-police partnerships and send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are fighting back.
• Different Events—A variety of activities and events are included in National Night Out around the U.S., including block parties, cookouts, parades, flashlight walks, contests and youth programs.
• No Financial Barriers—The National Association of Town Watch will work with organizations to ensure that money does not keep towns from celebrating the national day.