NATCHEZ &045; Ten Natchez neighborhoods are taking steps to make their homes safer.

The annual Natchez Police Department National Night Out will bring homeowners outside to meet each other and city officials tonight.

Police Chief Mike Mullins, other officers and representatives from the district attorney’s office and the courts will spend at least 15 minutes in each of the 10 registered neighborhoods. Mullins said the aim of the night is to give everyone a chance to meet city officials and ask any questions they may have.

&uot;It is to encourage them to be more active in their neighborhood, looking out for each other, looking out for each other’s children and for each other’s property,&uot; Mullins said.

The event is scheduled to run from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Neighborhoods are encouraged to cookout and spend time together in a block party setting before and after the officials arrive.

National Night Out has been conducted across the country for 21 years and in Natchez for more than 10. The event is designed to heighten awareness of crime and drug prevention, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police community partnerships and send a message to criminals.

Area neighborhood watch programs interested in participating volunteered with NPD to organize their neighborhood event.

&uot;It’s a good chance for them to meet each other,&uot; Mullins said. &uot;A lot of these people don’t see each other much because they have busy lives.&uot;

The event will be going on nationwide in more than 9,600 communities.

Natchez neighborhoods participating are: North Temple Drive, Susie B. West Apartments, Linwood Ruritan, Minor Street, Oakridge Manor, Williams Apartments, West Stiers, Old Washington Road Ruritan, Hughes Lane and Roselawn.

Officials will begin making stops at 5:30 p.m.