1 - DON'T WEAR HEADSETS. Use your ears to be aware of your surroundings.

2 - Carry change for a phone call or carry a small cell phone.

3 - Run with a partner. Run with a dog.

4 - Write down or leave word of the direction of your run. Tell friends and family of your favorite running routes.

5 - Run in familiar areas. In unfamiliar areas contact a local RRCA club or running store. Know where telephones are, or open businesses or stores. Alter or vary your route pattern.

6 - Always stay alert. The more aware you are, the less vulnerable you are.

7 - Avoid unpopulated areas, deserted streets, and overgrown trails. Especially avoid unlit areas at night. Run clear of parked cars or bushes.

8 - Carry identification or write your name, phone number, and blood type on the inside sole of your running shoe. Include any medical information. Don't wear jewelry.

9 - Ignore verbal harassment. Use discretion in acknowledging strangers. Look directly at others and be observant, but keep your distance and keep moving.

10 - Run against traffic so you can observe approaching automobiles.

11 - Wear reflective material if you must run before dawn or after dark.

12 - Use your intuition about a person or an area. React on your intuitions and avoid if you're unsure

13 - Practice memorizing license tags or identifying characteristics of strangers.

14 - Carry a noisemaker and/or OC (pepper) spray. Get training in self defense and the use of pepper spray.

15 - CALL POLICE IMMEDIATELY if something happens to you or someone else, or you notice anyone out of the ordinary.