| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Jen |
Posted - Mar 27 2007 : 09:56:07 AM
Trees are budding, the sun is shining, and there's a vague scent of flower blossoms in the air. In spite of another cold snap or two, springtime is calling us outdoors again, and it's a good idea to freshen up on our safety tips as we venture outdoors. Here are some good recommendations, especially for runners/walkers/cyclists in semi-populated areas:
* Leave word with someone or write down where you plan to run and when you will return.
* Carry some I. D. and change for a phone call.
* Take a whistle with you.
* Do not wear a radio/headset/earphones or anything which distracts you so that you are completely aware of your environment.
* Avoid unpopular areas, deserted streets, lonely trails - and especially avoid unlighted routes at night.
* Vary the route and the time of day that you run, bike or hike.
* Recreate in familiar areas. Be aware of emergency phones and how they work, note the location of neighbors you trust along your route.
* Always stay alert. The more aware you are, the less vulnerable you are. Think about possible escape routes in case of a confrontation.
* Take notice of who is ahead of you and who is behind you. Know where the nearest public sites are with some general activity - there is usually safety in numbers.
* When in doubt, follow your intuition and avoid potential trouble. If something seems suspicious, do not panic, but head in a different direction.
* Stay clear of parked cars, bushes, dark areas.
If confronted:
* Run toward populated areas, busy streets, open businesses.
* Ignore jeers and verbal harassment. Keep moving.
* Use discretion in acknowledging strangers. Be friendly, but keep your distance and keep moving.
* Do not panic. Do not head toward a more isolated area.
If attacked:
* Keep as calm as possible. Try to fix a description of the attacker in your mind.
* Do not show fear or plead - this intensifies aggression in most cases.
* Try to talk to the aggressor and look for an escape opportunity - a moment of indecision or distraction on the attacker's part.
* Do not fight or struggle with the attacker unless there is clearly no other way out, especially if you are untrained in self defense.
SOURCE: www.runtheplanet.com |
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