Sheriff's deputies aim to visit registered block parties and cookouts across unincorporated Fort Bend County during National Night Out, scheduled for 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6.

The Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office is asking neighborhoods in unincorporated parts of the county to register gatherings for the annual event. It pairs law enforcement with residents for an evening of food and introductions.

For Katy and Fulshear residents who live outside city limits, the sheriff's office is the agency to contact. Those who live within incorporated Katy or Fulshear should reach out to their municipal police department instead.

How to register

Organizers of block parties, cookouts or other neighborhood events can register online at fbctx.gov/so-tx-national-night-out. The deadline to register and request a deputy visit is 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2.

Sheriff's office personnel said they will strive to visit registered events across the county that evening.

Sheriff Eric Fagan said the event is about more than a single night.

"National Night Out gives us an opportunity to meet our residents where they are and continue building relationships beyond calls for service," Fagan said in a Fort Bend Herald report published Sept. 13.

What organizers should know

The sheriff's office outreach covers unincorporated Fort Bend County only. Neighborhoods that want representatives from other agencies, such as a local fire department, constable's office or Fort Bend County Homeland Security and Emergency Management, will need to contact those agencies separately, according to My Neighborhood News.

Residents may also want to check with their HOA or neighborhood association before organizing a separate gathering. Some communities may already be planning their own events.

Texas holds National Night Out on the first Tuesday in October rather than the national August date, giving neighborhoods a cooler evening for outdoor events.

Organizers can register at fbctx.gov/so-tx-national-night-out.