Exercising Safely on Campus

Overview

Joggers, runners, and walkers can be vulnerable to criminal activity if they become distracted during their exercise routines. People who are focused on their workout may be less aware of their surroundings and may not notice potential hazards or suspicious activity nearby. Remaining alert and aware of your environment is an important part of exercising safely on campus. This page provides tips and guidance to help students, faculty, staff, and visitors exercise safely while on campus.

Safety Tips for Joggers, Runners and Walkers

• Jog, run or walk with a known companion.
• Jog, run or walk in a familiar area.
• Do not jog, run or walk in a heavily wooded, poorly-lit or secluded area. Particularly if jogging or running alone, don’t wear radio or recorder earphones.
• Do not jog, run or walk after dark.
• Do not jog, run or walk near bushes which can provide concealment.
• Wear brightly-colored clothing to improve your visibility.
• Vary your route and pattern of jogging or running.
• Carry a whistle or high-decibel battery-powered personal alarm device when you jog, run or walk.
• If followed, go to the nearest residence, open business or group of people.
• Carry your motor vehicle and/or home key with you

Defense Against Dogs

People exercising often encounter what either may be or appear to be an unfriendly dog. If such an encounter does occur, the following measures are encouraged:

• When encountered by a threatening dog, the impulse is to often turn and run. This can be the worst response, however, since such movement can trigger the chase instinct in dogs.
• Stand very still and attempt to be calm.
• Don’t scream at the dog and run.
• Be aware of where the dog is. Look in its general direction, but don’t stare into its eyes. This can be considered an aggressive challenge to a dog.
• Let the dog sniff you.
• In a low voice say, “No! Go home!”
• Stay still until the dog leaves.
• Back away slowly until it is out of sight.
• If a dog does attack, try to “feed” it your workout jacket or another item of clothing.
• If you are knocked down or fall, curl into a ball and keep your hands over your ears and face. Try not to scream or roll around.

University Police Resources