You walk your dog, walk for exercise, or go for a run, and most of the time you probably do not give much thought to your safety. Being aware of threats that could invade your routine is the first step toward increasing your personal security.

According to Jerry Harper, president of Community Safety & Security Consultants (CCSC) of Lititz, raising your safety level begins with raising your awareness. "The most important thing I tell people is to always be aware of their surroundings," said Harper, who recommends taking a situational safety class to learn what concerning behaviors look like. "Be aware of vehicles (that are) parked nearby. Is there anyone near them? What are (those people) doing?" Harper encourages people to trust their instincts. "If you feel uneasy, cross the street," he said. "Walk near a residence or where you see other people so there are other witnesses involved."

Of course, being aware also means being alert. "Make sure you're not distracted," said Harper. "People like to crank up the music, and they wear earbuds, so they don't hear a vehicle coming up behind them (or) they don't hear the stones moving on the walkway or highway when someone is running up behind them or from behind a bush," he explained. "I tell people, 'Keep one earbud out or keep your volume down so you have some hearing.'"

Another recommendation from Harper is to always carry pepper spray. "Have it clipped to your waist in case you're in a situation where you need to defend yourself and create separation (between you and a threat)," said Harper, who recommends learning to use the spray properly. "We teach people to aim starting at the chest and (moving) upward," said Harper, who noted aiming only for the eyes will not work if the assailant tries to duck. "Starting out at the chest and zig-zagging upward will maximize the effectiveness due to the vapors of the pepper spray rising upward," he said.

Some things that can help keep you safer should be done before you even think of leaving your home. Steps such as varying the time that you walk or run and changing up your route on a regular basis are simple ways to decrease your risk. "Definitely change your routes and your times if necessary," said Harper. "(Predators) watch for a pattern so they can plan on that behavior." Harper recommended altering driving routes for the same reason.

Thanks to technology, there are now phone applications that can alert those closest to you using a key word or PIN. Some apps will alert chosen individuals to your GPS location or record sound or video for an extended amount of time. "If something would happen, (the app) will start notifying the people who are important to you so they can start sharing that information with authorities," Harper said.

Harper also advises taking a basic self-defense course. "If you are a victim of an attack, it's nice to have options to escape a certain kind of hold or grab," he said. "The basics of certain tactics do work to create separation."

More information about CSSC may be found at https://keepingcommunitiessafe.com or by searching for "Community Safety & Security Consultants " on Facebook.