March 2024

March 2024

March 15, 2024
 
Dear UMB Community:
Spring break starts Sunday. Taking some mid-semester time off is the perfect time to reset and recharge, in alignment with our core value of well-being. 
 
For those who are traveling, share your itinerary with a friend or family member. Secure your valuables and keep track of your bags and personal items. 
 
Before you leave, secure your apartment or house; make sure all windows and doors are locked. Unplug appliances. 
 
For those staying at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) next week, we’ll be here! Our Police and Public Safety team is available around the clock to keep our community safe. If you need help, call 410-706-6882 (6-6882 from an on-campus phone) or talk with a police or security officer when you see them. Stay safe!
Sincerely,
 
Thomas Leone, MSL
Assistant Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police
Safety Tip: Need Help? Call UMB Police and Public Safety
UMB Police and Public Safety is here to help! We sometimes hear, “I didn’t want to bother you.” You are never a bother! Whether you have a question, concern, or need help
call 410-706-6882 (6-6882 from an on-campus phone). Don’t delay. Reporting information in a timely manner can help us to deter crime, provide resources to those in need, give support to victims/witnesses, and more. 
 
Safe Ride: Practice Civility During Long Wait Times
Our Safe Ride service is available from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. With stormy spring weather often comes longer-than-usual wait times. Our Safe Ride drivers are working to provide fast, efficient, and (most importantly) safe service to our community. We know a long wait can be frustrating, but please remember our core values of respect and integrity when greeting our Safe Ride drivers.
Register for R.A.D. Training
Registration for Basic Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) training is open. The Basic R.A.D. spring semester course runs March 26 to April 30 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 1:30 p.m. or 5 to 6:30 p.m. Space is limited. Learn more about Basic R.A.D. and sign up today
 
Limited Steering Wheel Locks Remain
UMB Police and Public Safety has a limited number of steering wheel locks available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you would like to receive a free steering wheel lock, contact Carin Cardella at ccardella@police.umaryland.edu. Those requesting a lock must be able to pick it up from 214 N. Pine St. within five business days.
Schedule a Visit with Our Comfort K9
Comfort K9 Poe provides stress relief and affection to those dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, and more. Poe and his handler, PFC Anthony Summers, can be found walking around campus. Want more time with Poe? You can schedule a visit for him to come to your office, a meeting, or event. 
 
Social Worker Referrals
UMB Police and Public Safety works with the University of Maryland School of Social Work to provide resources and case management to vulnerable populations. If you see someone in need, submit a social worker referral online so we can connect with those who may need support. 
 
Celebrating Public Safety Accomplishments
Please join us in celebrating PFC Karlos McDowell and security officer Steven Mills, who are celebrating five and 15 years with UMB Police and Public Safety, respectively. 
 
UMB Public Safety by the Numbers: February
Each month, UMB Public Safety provides thousands of valuable services and resources to the communities we serve. In this segment, we highlight the previous month’s data to showcase the work of our employees.
  • Average time from Safe Ride request to pickup: 10 minutes, 22 seconds
  • Safe Rides given: 2,480
  • Building checks: 2,540
  • Local business checks: 157
  • Garage checks: 803
  • Visitors logged: 12,843
The UMB Office of the Fire Marshal is a part of UMB Public Safety.
Clothes Dryer Safety
Doing laundry is most likely part of your everyday routine. But did you know how important taking care of your clothes dryer is to the safety of your home? With a few simple safety tips, you can help prevent a clothes dryer fire.
Fire Extinguisher Training
Fire extinguisher training opportunities are available all year! Attendees will learn the basics of fires and fire extinguishers before getting hands-on experience with a fire extinguisher simulator. Our next class is scheduled for April 18 from 10 to 11 a.m. Space is limited. Learn more and sign up now. 
Change Your Clocks, Check Your Batteries
Each March, we “spring forward” into Daylight Saving Time. This is a good time to test your smoke alarms and change replaceable batteries, if needed. If you forgot to do that Sunday, it’s not too late! 
Learn more about the UMB Office of the Fire Marshal at umaryland.edu/fire-marshal.
COOP e-Tool Simplifies Continuity Planning
The new Continuity of Operations (COOP) e-Tool helps departments create a continuity plan that identifies alternate and secondary operating mechanisms to overcome the absence of key people, places, or things. The new e-tool also will allow for real-time updating, collaborating, and receiving feedback faster. Learn more about the tool.
Emergency Preparedness Now Available Online
Learn what to do during an emergency, where to find lifesaving equipment, and much more! You can start the training online now or request in-person training by contacting emergencymanagement@umaryland.edu. 
 
Emergency Preparedness Training is one part of the Preparedness Pro digital credential. Learn more about our series of preparedness trainings at UMB, including Active Assailant, Stop the Bleed, CPR/AED, and Fire Extinguisher training.
New or Departing Research Lab? 
Find action items, resources, and FAQs all in one place for onboarding new labs or offboarding departing labs from EHS.  
The Setting Up a New Lab webpage will help you register your research with the appropriate EHS programs, figure out which safety training you need, set you up in preparation for your annual lab inspections, and request new door signs. 
 
You also can find forms and instructions on EHS’ Lab Clearance webpage when you are closing out a departing lab or clearing a space for a move. 
 
Call EHS at 410-706-7055 with any questions or concerns.
Please visit umaryland.edu/police for more information
about UMB Police and Public Safety.