WALKING SAFELY- II

(Personal safety awareness)

Terry is always worried of walking citing personal safety, he generally does not feel comfortable in and around the area where he generally does his walking. We can minimize our risks of walking if we follow a set of simple rules.

For him and for all of us, I have tried to frame some to do list after going through some sites and discussions with fellow walkers. We can add few rules here and there to make the rules more effective.

1. Walk with someone. Encourage your spouse, friend, neighbor to join in the fun of walking.
2. Avoid spots which you already know that are not particularly safe. Try to walk in a route which is preferred by most walkers and where you meet many known faces.
3. Try not to follow a routine of walking in the same route at same time. Be innovative; change your course, route, time. It is more fun in walking in new route.
4. Do not carry any valuable on you; leave them at safety of your home.
5. Carry a mobile phone for emergency; keep it switched off and out of site.
6. If you walk alone always carry a whistle or small personal alarm.
7. Remember, your presence may affect others. Try to avoid that by not walking just behind or following someone, cross the street or walk past him/her. Avoid an oncoming walker by crossing the street to the other site if he/she seems to be afraid of you.
8. Walk with confidence with a look of assurance that you know where you are going.
9. Carry a walking stick; you will be less vulnerable target. If you choose to carry a weapon (say pepper-spray) learn how to operate it and strictly adhere to the laws of the area. Though personally I am against carrying a weapon.
10. Let your family, friends, neighbor know when and where are you going.
Avoid carrying a hanging purse or wallet. If you have to carry valuables at all, carry in a safe hidden place against you body.
11. Walk your dog if you have one, it will discourage unwanted interaction and other dog walkers will be friend to you.
12. Carry personal medications with you in case you need them regularly or a emergency medical kit. Keep a medical information slip with you always.
13. If you happen to encounter any undesired element or character, let your fellow walkers know about it also as well as inform police/civil authority.
14. Always be alert to pick up any danger signal. Talk to your friends and keep your eyes and ears open.
15. If you are still worried about walking as exercise then join a walking club. Form a new one, if there is none in your area, you will be surprised to see how many fellow walkers are actually thinking about it.

Walking with an animal can reduce your stress level. Take your dog out for a walk if you have one. It is fun and healthy for both of you.

Have a good and healthy walk!!