Your Path to Personal Safety 

Whenever you are walking or jogging, remember these personal safety tips:

• Have someone accompany you if at all possible.
• Let someone know where you will be and when you expect to return.
• If you plan to go jogging, let someone know the path you intend to take and when you plan to leave and return.
• Know where you can run for help. Remember, no coins are required to dial the 911 emergency number from pay telephones.
• Avoid walking too closely to bushes or areas with any kind of tall overgrowth.
• Avoid the temptation to daydream or otherwise become distracted. Know what's going on around you.
• Be alert to any sudden approach by a stranger.
• Whenever walking on a highway, road or street, always walk facing traffic. You should do this even when there are sidewalks, since it makes it more difficult for someone to drive up behind you without being noticed.
• Do not wear an IPOD or other headphone.

If You Are Attacked

Noise may be your most immediate defense. Noise will attract attention and make your location known. Others may come to your aid. Noise may foil an assailant, causing the would-be attacker to flee.

You can scream loudly if attacked. However, whistles are useful devices to attract attention, as are pocket air horns. Whatever device you choose for your personal safety, it should be carried so that it is readily accessible in an emergency.

Removing yourself from the area by running in the direction of the nearest available help may be your best defense if it is possible to do so. An assailant is not likely to want to engage in a pursuit which could increase the possibility of detection or apprehension.

When You Should Call the Police

Whenever you observe suspicious events, even though you may not be the only person observing them, call the police. Never think that the next person will do what you should do. The police department would rather get numerous calls on the same event than none at all. Often citizens fail to call because they are not sure if what they see or hear is suspicious. If you are in doubt, call the police immediately. Don't wait to talk it over with friends or neighbors. Valuable police response time is lost this way.  Call the police at 703-691-2131 for non-emergencies and 911 for emergencies.

Don't be concerned about "bothering" your police department because you won't be. Don't dwell on any possible embarrassment you might feel if your call about a suspicious person or event should prove to be unfounded. Think instead of what could have happened had you not called.  You, your loved ones, friends or neighbors could become the victims of a criminal act.