Refuse To Be A Victim!
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"Make Safety Part Of Your Plans For 2009" St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz urges people to make safety part of their plans for 2009.
"The new year signals a sense of renewal and a time for making improvements in our lives. Two of the most popular resolutions are to lose weight and to develop a healthy habit like exercising or healthy eating," Guidroz said.
"Because of this, there is often a surge of outdoor activities such as walking, cycling and jogging during the first few months of the year," Guidroz said.
He said a New Year's resolution to get more exercise is a great idea, and exercising is certainly good for your health, but it can also make you a victim of crime if you are not careful.
"We have a natural tendency to think that crime is something that happens to someone else, but unfortunately that isn't always the case. It can happen to anyone," Guidroz said.
He said many walking and running enthusiasts have the mistaken idea that they are not subject to attack because they carry little or no money with them when they exercise.
"This, too, is not true. They must be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to protect themselves," Guidroz said.
"Another safety issue for exercise enthusiasts is that they often become so preoccupied with the exercise, they lose touch with the moment and put themselves at risk."
Guidroz offers the following safety precautions for walkers, cyclers and joggers:
Do not walk, run or jog by yourself early in the morning or late at night when the streets are quiet and deserted.
Try to find an exercise partner. This could be your next door neighbor, spouse or even your dog.
Let a family member or friend know when you leave your home and the time you expect to return.
Do not wear headphones, or if you do, keep the volume at a level so that you can hear what is going on around you.
Avoid secluded areas and do not take shortcuts down deserted paths.
Face traffic when walking, running or jogging.
If you believe you are being followed, go to the nearest house or business place and call the police.
Wear brightly colored or reflective clothing to improve your visibility.
Vary your route and pattern of exercise.
Cross the street if someone begins to approach you.
Do not approach a car to give directions or the time of day. If you feel you must respond, do it while moving.
Keep away from shrubs, large vehicles or larger objects where an assailant could be hiding.
Consider carrying a small can of pepper spray or a whistle or shrill alarm to summon help if needed.
Take a key. Do not leave your house unlocked. Someone might be watching you and your house to see when it will be empty or unlocked.
"Don't take your personal safety for granted. Make safety a part of your New Year's resolutions," Guidroz said.
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