Safety Tips

By Casey Ritter, SunWest’s Events Superstar

“Living in southern Utah we are able to enjoy the outdoors year round and we often hear about the importance of staying hydrated, applying sunscreen, or stretching after a run. Another important safety focus is guarding our personal safety. No matter where we live or how strong we believe we are, personal safety is something we should all be vigilant about. On social media I follow a woman named Robyn, who knows from personal experience how vital protecting personal safety is. When she was 18 she was attacked while running in Southern Utah on a public, paved city trail in broad daylight.

Here are six safety tips to help you stay safe when walking or running outside:

1: Always tell a responsible adult where you are going and the estimated time you will return. If you don’t come home on time, they can immediately check on you. 2: Run in well-lit, and populated places. Run in areas that are not isolated or overgrown, and switch up your routes so someone can’t predict where you will be. 3: If you wear earbuds, only wear one. Wearing earbuds can distract you and silence the noise around you. You wouldn’t be able to be alerted to someone approaching you, or a car following too closely. 4: Carry a personal protective item like pepper spray. 5: Make yourself less of a target. * Don’t be distracted; stay alert. * Eliminate the element of surprises. Look at someone directly in the eyes if you feel threatened. * Tell people if they make you feel uncomfortable or encroach on your personal space. 6: Make anyone approaching you think you (and they) are being watched. Pretend you are talking on the phone and (loudly) say something like, “yeah, I’m out for a run, where are you? Wait, you can see me? Where are you? (look around like you’re searching for your friend) Let’s finish our run together.” If a would-be attacker thinks you are talking to someone close by who can see you, it makes you an unattractive target and discourages them from taking the risk. Of course the most important defense we all have is to use our good sense to minimize the risks when running or walking outdoors. Take precautions, invite a buddy, be alert and don’t assume it can’t happen to you. You’ll have more fun enjoying the outdoors if you make personal safety a priority!

As the Event Coordinator for SunWest Management, Casey infuses her creativuty into the activities and events she plans for our communities. She is a former dancer with the Rocky Mountain Repertory Ballet, and loves meeting people and creating friendships. casey@swmlife.com