Visit the University of Pittsburgh police Web site at www.pitt.edu/~police for additional safety information and recommended response to active threat incidents.

Safety Tips

FIRE SAFETY TIPS

If you suspect a fire, pull the nearest fire alarm box in the corridor or near an exit door.
When you hear the building's emergency alarm, evacuate the building immediately.
Evacuate any building on campus by following EXIT signs. Do not use elevators during emergencies unless directed by emergency response personnel.
If you are disabled, call EH&S at 412-624-9505 to develop an individual emergency evacuation plan.

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 or briefcase tightly, close to your body.
Keep your wallet in a front pocket, which is safer than a back pocket.
Become familiar with the location 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 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 locked night and day.
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 outdoor 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.

Beware 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.

Be aware:

Attend safety workshops and seminars held by the University of Pittsburgh Police Department and other groups. Report suspicious activity immediately. Get to know your neighbors. Share information on suspicious circumstances.
Don’t hesitate to call the Pitt police at 4-2121 (on campus) or 412-624-2121 (from a noncampus phone) with any safety concerns.

UNIVERSITY EMERGENCY
PHONE NUMBERS

University of Pittsburgh Police EMERGENCIES 4-2121
or Noncampus Phone
412-624-2121
General Assistance 4-4040
or 412-624-4040

Sexual Assault Services
412-648-7930

Student Health Service
412-383-1800

University Counseling Center
412-648-7930

Assistant Dean of Students
412-648-7910

Environmental Health and Safety
412-624-9505

SafeRider
412-648-CALL (2255)

PITTSBURGH EMERGENCY
PHONE NUMBERS (OFF CAMPUS)

City of Pittsburgh Police,
Fire, Ambulance 911

Pittsburgh Action Against Rape
24-hour hotline 1-866-363-7273

Center for Victims of
Violence and Crime
24-hour hotline 412-392-8582