Safety tips as you run or walk!

As taken from the Winnebago, Wisconsin Sheriff's Office Facebook page: Stay safe as you run or walk! 
Visit the Department's Web page.

A facebook fan asked us to post some tips for people who run or walk alone. I think these are great suggestions, for anyone, anytime, anywhere. Do you have some others?

• Always tell someone where you are going.
• Stay on well traveled and well lit roads. Don’t take short cuts through woods, poorly lit areas, etc.
• If possible, run with a dog, a group or at least one other person.
• Ditch the headphones.
• Bring your phone.
• If someone looks shady to you, cross the street or go the other way.
• Vary your routes. Don’t be predictable.
• Know where you’re going. Looking confused and lost can make you a target.
• Don’t be distracted. Perpetrators specifically look for people who aren’t 100% aware of their surroundings.
• Consider taking a self defense class. You never know when you might need these skills.
• Have an air of confidence. Walk or run tall with your head up.
• Trust your gut. If something/someone doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
• If attacked, do everything in your power to not be taken to another location.