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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.