Walking Safely
Walking and Jogging Safety
Always walk with someone else if at all possible.
Never go alone, if you have to walk alone stay close to other people and bring a cell phone. Press 911 but do not send unless needed. If you have it on the ready all you have to do is press send and give your whereabouts for help.
Keep to a well-lit area where others walk in the day and evenings. Lots of people are walking and jogging these days so most of the time there will be others if it is a good place to walk.
Stay away from isolated areas, if you must use these areas never go alone.
Walk with your head up and with purpose, know where you are going and project a no-nonsense image to deter attackers.
Never walk alone with headphones on, this is an invitation to an attacker. This activity enables their ability to sneak up on you. Avoid potentially dangerous situations. Carry pepper spray and a whistle so you can defend yourself if possible and get someone’s attention. Get a round the neck brake apart lanyard, keep keys handy, keep the pepper spray on the lanyard so you can be somewhat hands free.
If you feel threatened, cross the street, locate an emergency phone, use your cell phone to call for help if the need arises have that 911 ready so you only have to press send. Enter a store or place of business even if you have just left it and do not leave alone again if at all possible. If there isn’t one, keep moving. Vary your pace, change directions, and go to a well lit area. These measures let the person following you know that you cannot be taken by surprise. If you have to scream for help, do it!
Have your door keys ready; carry them in your pockets, not buried in a purse! This can not be stressed enough take no money, have key handy, pepper spray at the ready and blow that whistle if you are alone never go to a dark bushy area!!!!
Since a lot of us “older” people return to college this information is necessary or you will have it for a child or grand-child. As you walk around campus, always be aware of your surroundings, paying attention to where you are and who is around you. Avoid walking in isolated or dark areas, and whenever possible, walk with one or more friends. Yet again, keep that cell dialed with 911 so you only press send.
Never carry large amounts of money. If you’re robbed, stay calm. Don’t be a hero – do what the robber asks – turn over your money or valuables. Note the robber’s appearance and report the crime immediately. Never go anyplace with the attacker. The attacker plans to harm or kill you in a place where no one can help you. If you have pepper spray use it if you get the chance, remember spray the face.
NEVER hitchhike. Accept rides only from persons you trust. If harassed from a car, walk swiftly or run in the opposite direction to safety. If you’re really frightened scream for help, but do not stop.
Jogging Safety
One of the most serious problems for joggers is not paying attention. They become so preoccupied with the physical act of jogging that they lose touch with the moment. They are so busy concentrating on how much further they have to go and on putting one foot in front of the next, that they don’t pay attention to what is happening right here, right now.
When they allow themselves to become preoccupied, they have jeopardized their security. When they are not paying attention, it gives the would-be attacker the opportunity to surprise them. Being alert and being aware is vital at all times.
In view of attacks on joggers, everyone that is currently enjoying that sport needs to be aware of certain crime prevention tips. These safety tips apply to anyone that is on the street either walking, jogging, or running.
Many joggers have the mistaken idea that because they usually do not carry large sums of money with them as they jog, they are not likely candidates for an attack. Unfortunately, that is not true. They must always be aware of their surroundings and take appropriate action to protect themselves.
Safety Tips for Jogging:
NEVER JOG ALONE WITH A HEADSET ON!!! YOU ARE BASICALLY SHOUTING “Hey, all attackers, pick me, pick me!”
* Jog with a known companion
* Jog in a familiar area, well lit and with others around jogging or walking.
* Do not jog in a secluded area
* Do not jog after dark
* Jog facing the traffic
* If followed, go to the nearest house and call the police
* Wear bright colored clothing to improve your visibility
* Carry a whistle or shrill alarm and pepper spray to summon help, if needed
* Vary your route and pattern of running
* Always be aware of your surroundings. Keep Alert!
* Jog away from bushes where someone could hide
* Take a key with you when you jog. Don’t leave your house unlocked. Someone might be watching you and your house to see when it will be empty or unlocked.