News

Overhead drone view of Fifth Avenue in Pittsburgh's Oakland neighborhood

Pittwire: Stay aware while navigating Fifth Ave. construction

With the rapidly evolving nature of the PRT construction project and its impact to pedestrians and motorists on Fifth Avenue, PSEM wants to remind the campus community and visitors to Oakland that public safety is a shared responsibility.

Large group of students walking into the Cathedral of Learning

It's a new semester: be prepared!

Welcome back to campus, Panthers! As you settle in before the start of the fall term, here are some safety tips and resources you should be aware of:

Pedestrian crosswalk painted bright green to indicate all-stop intersection at Forbes and Bigelow

Pedestrian Exclusive Phase at Forbes & Bigelow Intersection

The City of Pittsburgh’s Department of Mobility & Infrastructure (DOMI) has installed an all-way stop at the Forbes & Bigelow intersection. At this intersection only, pedestrians will be able to cross in any direction only on a walk sign, and this pedestrian exclusive phase will occur at the conclusion of every traffic cycle.

People using a crosswalk in front of a bus, with Pitt's Cathedral of Learning in the background.

Pittwire: 6 laws every Pennsylvania newbie needs to know

Whether you’re coming to learn, teach or work, your first year at Pitt is sure to be an adventure — but those who are coming from outside the area have the added hurdle of getting to know some of the city and commonwealth’s laws and quirks.

Officer Colello, University of Pittsburgh Police Department pedestrian safety officer

Regional Safety Action Plan "Unsung Heroes" with Officer Colello

University of Pittsburgh Police Department's Officer Jeff Colello was recently recognized as an "Unsung Hero" by the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission as part of their Regional Safety Plan initiative; Officer Colello was identified as an individual who makes a difference in our community by promoting roadway safety and a dedication to making our streets safer for everyone.

Pittwire: Motorists, be aware of Pennsylvania’s new distracted driving law

Pennsylvania’s new distracted driving law, known as Paul Miller’s law, prohibits drivers from using any mobile device while driving, even at a red light or when stuck in traffic.

Wideshot of Oakland neighborhood in fall

What to do in a power outage

University of Pittsburgh - Power Outage GuideTake the right steps to stay safe during a power outage:If you don’t already have emergency supplies, make sure to acquire a flashlight with extra batteries, bottled water, glow sticks, hand-cranked radio, and blankets.Consider future planning—use FEMA’s emergency supply list as a guideline for items to have on hand for any emergency situation: https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2024-05/ready_supply-kit-checklist.pdf

The old crosswalk in front of Scaife Hall crossing Terrace street has been ripped up and is no longer operational.

Pittwire: Be aware of the latest sidewalk and stop sign improvements on upper campus

Using findings from an independent safety study of the De Soto/Terrace corridor, the City of Pittsburgh determined that it is no longer legal to cross Terrace Street directly in front of the new Scaife Hall entrance.

Person wearing blue gloves typing on a laptop

Pittwire: Protect yourself from possible scams and fraud with these safety reminders

Online and in real life, it’s important to be smart and savvy about possible scams and fraudulent activity.

Person doing chest compressions on a CPR dummy.

Pittwire: Pitt was recertified as a HeartSafe Campus

The National Collegiate EMS Foundation has again recognized Pitt as a HeartSafe Campus, and on March 20, EH&S will support this initiative by offering AED training.

Special Olympics athlete and Sgt. Urban on skis holding the SOPA torch

UPPD's Sgt. Urban serves as torch bearer at Special Olympics PA Winter Games

Nearly 300 Special Olympics of Pennsylvania (SOPA) athletes, coaches and volunteers gathered from all over the state at Seven Springs Mountain Resort on February 11, 2025, to kick off the SOPA Winter Games.

Pitt students on left shaking hands with Pitt police officers on right.

Pittwire: This newly expanded Pitt program is building a community-engaged campus police department

Launched at Pitt-Bradford in 2021, the Police Development was created to remove financial and logistical barriers for aspiring officers while building a more representative and community-focused campus police department.

Person in a lab coat and blue lab gloves handling a pipette for a lab experiment.

Lab Safety Awareness Week

CSHEMA Lab Safety Awareness Week is February 10-14, 2025, and our Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) has the resources you will need to ensure a safe environment in your laboratory.

Close-up of e-scooter with door hanger featuring safety tips

Pittwire: How to keep your scooter secure on campus

More difficult to secure than cars or bicycles, scooters are an easier target for potential thieves. Make sure to follow these safety tips to properly lock up your e-scooter.

Navy blue graphic with Pitt Police Department patch in the center

UPPD Detective Ed Wolff named Special Unit Officer of the Year

Congratulations to UPPD Detective Ed Wolff, who was awarded Special Unit Officer of the Year Award at the ASIS Law Enforcement Appreciation Event on October 17. Detective Wolff was nominated by his colleagues for his dedication to justice and commitment to serving our campus and local communities. Please join us in congratulating him on this outstanding achievement!