Tips for a Safer Campus

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 at 814-368-3211 and report the incident.

 

Where you live:

• Keep your doors and windows locked night and day.
• Know your surroundings
• Don’t let in strangers.
• Never prop doors open, especially fire doors, even for a short time.

 

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 the Pitt-Bradford police at 814-368-3211 and let them know you are there. 
• Lock all doors behind you when entering or exiting at night. 

 

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.