The many pathways and park areas in Fairfax County are ideal places to walk and relax. By following the simple, sensible precautions described here you can help insure that your time spent on pathways, in parks or at similar outdoor places is safe and enjoyable.

Whenever you are walking or jogging in isolated areas, remember these personal safety tips:

• Have someone accompany you if at all possible. Walking a dog, especially one inclined to bark at strangers, is preferable to being alone. (When not on private property, dogs in Fairfax County must be on a leash.)
• Let someone know where you will be and when you expect to return.
• Know where you can run for help. Remember that no coins are required to dial the 911 emergency number from pay telephones.
• Avoid walking too closely to bushes or areas with any kind of tall overgrowth.
• Avoid the temptation to daydream or otherwise become distracted. Know what's going on around you.
• Be alert to any sudden approach by a stranger.
• Try to avoid being out late at night. If you are out after dark, always carry a flashlight with fresh batteries.
• Whenever walking on a highway, road or street, always walk facing traffic. You should do this even when there are sidewalks, since it makes it more difficult for someone to drive up behind you without being noticed.
• Do not wear a headset.

Parked Car Precautions

When going to or from your parked car in deserted areas:

• When you leave your car, lock it.
• As you approach your car, have the key ready.
• Check the interior of your car before entering, especially the back seat.
• Check under your car for fluids and check the tires for flats.
• At night, be sure to park your car under a light if at all possible.

If You Are Attacked

Noise may be your most immediate defense. Noise will attract attention and make your location known. Others may come to your aid. Noise may foil an assailant, causing the would-be attacker to flee.

You can scream loudly if attacked. However, whistles are useful devices to attract attention, as are pocket air horns. These air horn devices are small, inexpensive, commercially available air canisters which produce a loud, screeching sound when the nozzle is depressed. These devices offer several advantages over whistles. They can be carried easily in the hand and thus more readily activated in an emergency, with less chance of the device being dislodged by an attacker. The volume of the air horn device is set and is not dependent on the physical condition or emotional state of the user. In addition, the more distinctive sound of the air horn may alert others more quickly that you need assistance.

Whatever device you choose for your personal safety, it should be carried so that it is readily accessible in an emergency.

Removing yourself from the area by running in the direction of the nearest available help may be your best defense if it is possible to do so. An assailant is not likely to want to engage in a pursuit which could increase the possibility of detection or apprehension.

When You Should Call the Police

Whenever you observe suspicious events, even though you may not be the only person observing them, call the police. Never think that the next person will do what you should do. The police department would rather get numerous calls on the same event than none at all.

Often citizens fail to call because they are not sure if what they see or hear is suspicious. If you are in doubt, call the police immediately. Don't wait to talk it over with friends or neighbors. Valuable police response time is lost this way.

Don't be concerned about "bothering" your police department because you won't be. Don't dwell on any possible embarrassment you might feel if your call about a suspicious person or event should prove to be unfounded. Think instead of what could have happened had you not called. You, your loved ones, friends or neighbors could become the victims of a criminal act.

Call Your Police Department for Crime Prevention Services

The Fairfax County Police Department offers a wide range of crime prevention services to citizens. They include steps you can take to protect yourself and your property against crime. These services are free. Call the Police District Station nearest your home.