Tips for a Safer Campus

When walking or running: 

  • Carry a whistle or personal alarm that makes a high-pitched, penetrating sound. 
  • Go with someone. 
  • Stay away from isolated areas. 
  • Stay in well-lit, well-traveled areas, walking midway between curbs and buildings and away from alleys and bushes. 
  • Hold your purse, backpack, or briefcase tightly and close to your body. 
  • Keep your wallet in a front pocket, which is safer than a back pocket. 
  • Become familiar with the locations of emergency phones on your route.

If you’re being followed: 

  • Cross the street or change direction.
  • Keep looking back so the person knows you can’t be surprised. 
  • Go to a well-lit area. Enter a building anywhere that there are people. 
  • Notice and remember as much as possible about the person so you can give a good description. 
  • When arriving at a safe place, call Pitt Police and report the incident. 

Where you live:

  • Keep your doors and windows locked night and day. 
  • Secure windows if an air conditioner is installed.
  • Don’t let in strangers. 
  • Never prop doors open, especially fire doors, even for a short time.
  • Avoid the potential dangers of hanging out or holding parties on rooftops or balconies of your rental home/apartment, especially if alcohol is involved.

Protect personal and University property: 

  • Lock your door every time you leave.
  • Engrave expensive equipment and valuables with an ID number.
  • Don’t attach your Pitt ID or any other identification to your key chain. 
  • Don’t leave your belongings (books, gym bags, backpacks, calculators, coats, etc.) unattended in libraries, hallways, gym facilities, or classrooms.
  • Don’t use an automated bank teller machine late at night. 

Avoid working or studying alone in a building at night: 

  • If you work late, keep your office door locked. 
  • Call SafeRider at 412-648-CALL (2255) or use the shuttle. 
  • Lock all doors behind you when entering or exiting at night. 

Be aware of the bus lane: 

  • A bus lane runs along Fifth Avenue in the opposite direction to the one-way traffic. 
  • When crossing Fifth Avenue, look both ways to be safe. 

Protect your car:

  • Always lock your car and take the keys. 
  • Lock valuables in the trunk. 
  • Park in well-lit areas. 

If driving: 

  • Have your keys ready when walking to your vehicle. 
  • Check the back seat before getting into a car. 
  • Keep doors locked while driving. 
  • Don’t pick up hitchhikers.
  • Don’t hitchhike or accept rides from strangers.