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General Safety

Take steps to protect yourself on campus: Using common sense is often your best protection when walking or jogging. Go with someone. There's safety in numbers. Stay away from isolated areas.

• Keep apartment doors locked at all times. Do not leave them unlocked even for a few minutes.
• Keep all security doors shut. Do not prop open security or fire doors.
• Enter security doors quickly and close them promptly behind you. Holding a security door open for unidentified people behind you destroys the purpose of the security door. Also, do not buzz anyone in through a security door unless you know his or her identity.
• Report to your landlord any apartment door or security door locks that are malfunctioning.
• If you are considering installing a personal security or alarm system in your apartment, you must first clear it with your landlord. If you live in a university-owned apartment, YOU MUST PROVIDE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT WITH THE ACCESS CODE IN CASE OF EMERGENCY.
• Don't lend your keys to anyone. Don't leave keys lying around in your apartment. At night, have your keys ready before you get to your apartment or car door.
• If your apartment key is lost or stolen, report it to the police and your landlord. If the key was lost with your identification, you may want to have the lock changed. In that event, contact the landlord. If you live in a University-owned apartment, call Property Management for a lock change. THERE IS A FEE FOR ALL UNIVERSITY-OWNED LOCK CHANGES.
• Know how to protect property. Personal property is your responsibility. As mentioned previously, it is most prudent to obtain "tenant homeowners" (renter's) insurance for personal property protection. Rates for protection policies are quite reasonable.
• Require authorization and identification from service personnel before letting them into your apartment or allowing them to remove any items for servicing.
• Report any suspicious activities to the police, such as unfamiliar people hanging around your apartment or other building.
• Don't leave windows open when you are not there, especially a first-floor apartment. Hang curtains or blinds on every window so that people don't see what you have.

For additional security information, refer to the University of Pittsburgh Police Off-Campus Resident Crime Prevention Awareness Tips