Since 1984, National Night Out (NNO) has been observed on the first Tuesday in August to bring attention to the related issues of Crime Prevention and the concept of Neighborhood Watch. It started with Americans being asked to turn on their porch lights early, from 6 ??“ 8:30 PM, as a public statement against crime. Beyond that simple effort, people were encouraged to get out on their front porches, or to walk their neighborhood sidewalks and to meet any neighbors that they did not already know. Some communities hold Crime Prevention and Neighborhood Watch events on National Night Out. By getting to know our neighbors, and by letting them get to know us, the whole neighborhood becomes engaged in the shared experience of life and community. Neighbors begin to look out for each other and more easily recognize situations that may be a crime in progress, a health emergency, lost child, or other situation that indicates a need for help from neighbors, police or other emergency responders. To help raise awareness of, and boost participation in, this year??™s National Night Out, Blendon Township will be hosting a kick-off event at the Blendon Township Police Department, 6340 Hempstead Road on Saturday, July 30th, 2011 from 9 AM am to 1 PM. Police cruisers and fire trucks will be on display, as well as karate demonstrations, the Med-Flight helicopter, and a Bounce House for the kids. A drive-through, Prevent ID Theft shredding station, will destroy any sensitive documents that you drop off and Crime Prevention Officers will have information on the Block watch in your neighborhood. If your neighborhood does not already have a Block Watch our Officers will be glad to help you get one started. Please join us for the Kickoff on Saturday, and then get out on your front porch or sidewalk and show your support for National Night Out on the following Tuesday evening, August 2nd. Karate students and Police Officers will ??œpatrol??? our neighborhoods to show support and raise awareness for this worthy event. If you have any questions, concerns or ideas regarding National Night Out please contact our Chief of Police, John Belford, (614) 882-8500, or by email; jbelford@blendontwp.org