Essential on the Street Safety and Defense Tips For Jogging, Walking, and Running

There are many choices of self defense products on the market today. Here, we will examine the ones that are essential to your everyday safety.

Self Defense Tools

There are many choices on the market today; there are a few that are essential to your everyday safety. A whistle or personal alarm with a strap or key chain attachment is the best choice. However, never wear a whistle or personal alarm around your neck on a lanyard or chain. During an attack the attacker may use the lanyard or chain to choke you.

The benefits of a whistle or personal alarm are they will most likely distract an attacker long enough to get away to safety. These devices are very portable, easy to use and unlike a weapon cannot be used against you. Another option to consider for protection are defense sprays like Mace or pepper spray; unless outlawed by your city or state.

Tips for Jogging, Walking, and Running

If you are walking, jogging, or running at night, avoid being close to the curb. Someone could hide between parked cars waiting for a victim to come by. Being too close to the curb can create a opportunity for someone to pull you in to a parked van where you could be raped or robbed.

On the other hand do not walk too far away from the curb; this could put in the vicinity of shrubs and open doorways which make good hiding places for an attacker to use waiting to jump you. If your route includes these areas you may want to consider using a different route. If you are out taking a walk or run at night let someone know that you are going out and make arrangements to contact them when you arrive back at home.

Since 1989 there has been an increase in jogger attacks, females have been the prime target for these attacks by criminals. It is a good idea to always run, walk or jog with a companion, friend, or trained canine. The Road Runners Club of America has chapters across the United States. They can introduce you to fellow runner and provide you with running safety information specifically for your area.

The key to staying safe is awareness. Wearing headphones can be very dangerous, reserve using these devices to the gym where there is a reduced possibility of an attack. Keep a mental note of your surroundings and always run in the direction of opposite of oncoming traffic. Be cautious of a stranger wanting to join you during your run or walk; this could very well be an attacker posing as a friendly jogger.

6 Essential Check List Items You Should Follow Before You Hit The Streets

1. Valuables, if you cannot afford to lose them leave them at home.
2. If in a mugging situation stay calm and cooperate with the mugger.
3. Do not make any sudden moves or jesters, this may cause your attacker to overreact and seriously hurt you.
4. If being followed do not head for home, go to a place where help is available.
5. Stay Away from the curb, open doorways and shrubs.
6. If you are in an attack situation screaming and making loud noises are recommend self defense techniques.

Karen Abby is an author for 2dsecurity.com a leading distributor of self defense products. For more information about personal attack alarms and personal defense weapons please visit 2dsecurity.com.