When walking or running:
- Maintain a six-foot distance from others as much as possible.
- 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.