December 2023

December 2023
Dec. 15, 2023
 
Dear UMB Community:
 
The holiday season can be an exciting time, but for many, it can also be stressful. Exams, project deadlines, and a million other pressures can feel like too much. The word I’ve been repeating around our office lately is “grace.”
 
Why is the chief of police talking about grace? Because safety is about more than tips and resources (though it’s about that, too) — it’s also about well-being. Not only is well-being one of our UMB core values, but it’s also a pillar of 21st century policing. And at the heart of well-being is showing grace, empathy, and respect for others (and for ourselves). 
 
And so, as the year comes to a close, I hope you all stay safe, take time to rest and relax, and practice grace. Have a wonderful holiday!
Sincerely,
 
Thomas Leone, MSL
Assistant Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police
Help Us Provide Resources to Vulnerable Populations
Plunging temperatures can be extremely dangerous for unsheltered persons. We work with social workers and community health workers to provide resources and ongoing support to vulnerable communities. If you see someone who might need help, you can make a referral online or call 410-706-6882. 
Safety Tip: Prevent Unauthorized Entry
Some buildings close during the holidays and might only be accessible with your UMID. Remember to always swipe your UMID when entering a UMB building. If someone tries to follow you inside the building without swiping their UMID, please let a security officer know. Thank you for helping to keep our community safe!
Private Pine Returns with #YuleBeSafeNotSorry Campaign
Our “elf recruit,” Private Pine, is back! This year, we’re featuring safety tips to keep our community safe. Follow along all month on our social media accounts (@PoliceUMB on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram). A big thank you to everyone who voted on the name of this year’s campaign — Yule Be Safe, Not Sorry! Learn more about the campaign.
 
Public Safety GEM Cars Support Sustainability
UMB Public Safety has purchased two new electric vehicles to use for patrol, community outreach, and Safe Walks. The vehicles reduce our emissions by at least 75 percent compared to gas-powered vehicles! Read more about the GEM cars.
 
Public Information Officer Named UMB’s November Employee of the Month
Carin Cardella, MA, MS, public information officer for Police and Emergency Management, was honored as the UMB Employee of the Month. She was nominated for her role in creating the Future of Work report. Learn about Cardella’s contributions to UMB.
 
UMB Public Safety by the Numbers: November
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, 30 seconds
  • Safe Rides given: 2,317
  • Building checks: 2,862
  • Local business checks: 179 
  • Garage checks: 929
  • Visitors logged: 12,632
The UMB Office of the Fire Marshal is a part of UMB Public Safety.
Put a Freeze on Winter Holiday Fires
It’s fun to decorate for the winter holidays, but holiday decorations can increase your risk for a home fire. As you deck the halls this season, be fire smart.
 
Learn more about the UMB Office of the Fire Marshal at umaryland.edu/fire-marshal.
Prepare Now for Inclement Weather 
Before winter weather arrives, take a moment to ensure that your information is current in UMB Alerts. In addition to sending a UMB Alert text message and email, weather-related closings and delays will be posted on the UMB webpage, UMB social media accounts, and on the emergency information hotline (410-706-8622). Please note: Weather-related delays and closures are no longer sent to local news media outlets.
Emergency Preparedness Now Available Online
Learn what to do during an emergency, where to find life-saving 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.
Holiday Lab Safety Plan 
As labs begin slowing down research operations for the holiday season, EHS reminds labs to create a lab-specific safety plan for operating during UMB closures or decreased holiday presence. In the event of an emergency closure, check out the guidelines here. You also can use EHS’ helpful guide for preparing your lab for the holidays.
 
Elements of your plan should include:   
  • Confirming a critical contact list
  • Ensuring that essential equipment is on emergency power and has adequate supplies to run through any absence
  • Securing physical research materials and backing up critical research data
  • Reviewing your emergency response plan, including plans in case personnel become ill
Please visit umaryland.edu/police for more information
about UMB Police and Public Safety. 
 
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