F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- Here are few pointers to help keep runners and walkers safe when they begin their exercise routine in the day or the night.

Before leaving, plan the outing. Always tell someone where the location is and when the run will end.

Tell friends and family of favorite exercise routes.

Wear an identification tag or carry a driver's license.

Don't wear jewelry or carry cash, and always wear reflective material.

When running or walking on a road, stay alert at all times. The more aware, the less vulnerable. Run or walk with a partner or a dog.

Consider carrying a cellular phone. Exercise in familiar areas, and know which businesses or stores are open.

Vary your route. Avoid unpopulated areas, deserted streets and overgrown trails.

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

Run against traffic so you can observe approaching automobiles.

If being followed, change direction and head for open stores, theaters or a lighted house. Have your door key ready before you reach your home.

Call police immediately if something happens, or if anyone out of the ordinary was noticed. It is also a good idea to check with police about any criminal activity in the planned running area.

Keep focused and do not zone out, as some runners do. Not paying attention to the surroundings may lead to either a traffic accident or not noticing a following attacker.

Remember to keep the mind active by humming a tune or memorizing license plates on passing vehicles.

Say a person missed the opportunity to exercise during the light of day, but they still want to get in a quick three miles before turning in for the night or before the sun rises. The best advice when exercising while it's dark is to get off of the streets and head to the security of a well-lighted outdoor track or consider running on an indoor track or tread mill.

If you are a walker, you may consider laps around an indoor shopping mall.

For more information about running and jogging safety, call Tech. Sgt. Jason Merryman at 773-2471.