National Night Out set for Oct. 3
Annual event aims to bring police, residents together
The 39th annual National Night Out is set to take place Tuesday, Oct. 3.
Begun in 1984, NNO is a nationwide program to foster better relationships between local police departments and the communities they serve.
“NNO is a chance to bring neighborhoods together with the men and women who protect them,” said Houston Police Officer Emilio Reyes. “The safety of our communities depends on both law enforcement and the citizens they serve, and NNO events can enhance that cooperation. Preventing and solving crime is a community effort. NNO is an excellent program that helps the department build relationships with citizens and create safer neighborhoods.”
More than 17,000 communities, representing all 50 states, took part in last year’s campaign, attracting roughly 38 million participants.
The event formerly took place in August, but organizers have since changed the NNO’s Texas date to give residents an opportunity to enjoy cooler weather.
Along with the traditional display of porch lights and front porch vigils, NNO will be celebrated by neighborhoods and communities with a variety of events and activities such as block parties, cookouts, parades, flashlight walks, contests, youth programs and visits from local police.
County officials and local homeowner groups and civic clubs traditionally hold NNO events in the South Belt community, but no specific events were known at press time.
The HPD, Harris County Sheriff’s Office and Harris County Precinct 2 and Precinct 8 constable offices will all be participating in various functions.
South Belt residents within the city limits who are planning a block party and wanting to have a police visit should contact HPD Officer Richard Buitron at 281-642-3484 or Buitron@Houstonpolice.org. Most residents outside of the city limits having parties should contact Precinct 2 Constable Jerry Garcia’s office at 713-477-2766.
South Belt receives nearly 3 inches of rain
The South Belt area received some much-needed rainfall this past week, as the community begins to recover from the extreme drought conditions of the summer.
According to the Harris County Flood Control District, the rain gauge at the Beamer Ditch and Hughes Road recorded nearly 3 inches of rain between Thursday, Sept. 14, and Saturday, Sept. 16, with the vast majority falling Saturday.
On Thursday, the gauge recorded 0.16 inches of rainfall; the gauge recorded 0.64 inches on Friday; and 2.16 inches of rain fell on Saturday.
Despite the rainfall, the City of Houston remains in Stage 2 of its Drought Contingency Plan, which limits residential water use. Residents serviced by local utility districts are not affected by the water restrictions.
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