Being Safe While Jogging or Walking
I can’t sell my products without telling you the best way to BE SAFE is to BE AWARE. Hold your head high and observe your surroundings. If you look like a victim, an assailant will use your insecurity to their advantage. I suggest never leaving home without a form of personal protection that suits your comfort level. With that said, there are a few other tips to remember when running or going for walks to ensure your safety.
-When possible, walk in the buddy system.
-Always walk or travel in well lit areas with plenty of people around. Avoid being isolated from others as much as possible.
-Try to always walk on the side of the street facing traffic to avoid being followed by an automobile.
-Avoid more commonly isolated places, such as stairways of buildings, alleys, industrial areas, and some elevators.
-Be aware of potential hiding spots for attackers.
-Avoid wearing headphones. As your should expect, studies have shown that our ability to be focused on our surroundings are significantly reduced when walking or running with headphones on.
-If you feel you are being followed, turn and look back to see who it is. If you feel threatened, run or walk briskly to a group of people and tell them your concern; or go to the nearest home or open business and call the police. If you run to a home, shout “FIRE” instead of “HELP”. If absolutely necessary, use your shoe or belt to break a window to get attention quicker.
-Do not walk alone when you have been drinking alcohol, have taken medication, or while in a fragile emotional state.
-Plan your route and avoid short cuts through parks, vacant lots, or poorly lit areas.
-Carry coins to make emergency calls in the event you do not have your cell phone, the batteries have gone dead, or your phone has been stolen.
-If someone attempts to attack you in a public facility such as a hotel, motel or restroom, scream at the top of your lungs, “FIRE, FIRE”. Studies have shown that people are more apt to respond if they feel threatened by fire.
