In this monthly column, Northside Public Safety Council President David Stacy shares public safety news for Pittsburgh’s Northside.

By David Stacy

Photo courtesy of Atlantic Training via Wikimedia Commons

Northside and COVID-19

Fellow Northsiders are practicing social distancing and leaving space in between each other. This shows how unified our neighborhood and neighbors are: We are sticking together as we stay apart at this uncertain time in all of our lives. 

I find at this time, overreacting does not exist with this unseen virus among us. Fear helps no one, but what can help is being conscious of our daily actions as well as what we do. I cannot stress enough to please wash your hands thoroughly and keep them away from your face, as this is one way you can prevent contracting this virus. 

At this time, we are required to wear face masks or something to cover our face, mouth, and nose, when we go into public places such as grocery stores and takeout restaurants. As new information and data comes in daily, sometimes hourly, we urge you to keep yourself educated and informed, but don’t overwhelm yourself with too much news in a day’s time, as this can cause confusion and unneeded anxiety. 

If you are sick, please stay home and avoid other people. Call your doctor if you can, and avoid going into the hospital unless it’s an emergency. This is for your safety as well as the safety of others. If you feel that you may need help, do not hesitate to call 911. 

Crime in the Northside

Violent crimes are down throughout our city, but car thefts and house robberies are on an incline. Keep your doors locked in your vehicle and have nothing of value visible or in your vehicle at all. Keep your home locked at all times: This includes doors, windows, garages, and courtyards. Keeping lights on is a deterrent for criminal activities.                                                  

Scammers are also on the rise: Please do not give any personal information on the phone or online via emails or text messages. Do not let anyone inside of your home and do not open your door if you are not expecting someone and do not have any scheduled appointments. People can pose as utility agents and as of late, they say they’re there to help you. This is a time more than ever before that we must look after one another, especially the elderly, people who are disabled, and those who are underserved. 

If you see someone in need or distress, call 311 or 911 to get them assistance. If you see any domestic abuse or crime in your neighborhood, please call 911 and report it. Always remember, you can do this anonymously, period. The 911 dispatcher will ask your name, as it is part of their protocol, but you can decline.                                                

The Northside Public Safety Council (NSPSC) would like to thank those that are on the front lines and serving us daily: healthcare providers, first responders, public works employees, grocery store workers, truck drivers, delivery agents, and postal workers.

The NSPSC meeting will be canceled for the month of May and will resume in June if we can do it safely.                                 

You can contact us at any time if you need assistance, guidance, or questions.

David Stacy is the president of the Northside Public Safety Council. (NPSC). Please contact NPSC for more information or details by phone at 412-321-0295 or via email: zone1psc@gmail.com. Regular NPSC meetings are held on the first Thursday of every month starting at 5:30 p.m. Meetings are held at the Manchester Citizens Corporation, 1319 Allegheny Ave., 15233.

Related posts:

Northside Public Safety Bulletin: April 2020

North Side Christian Health Center now operating ‘coronavirus response line’

Owner of Troy Hill salon donates over 500 homemade masks to area hospitals