April 2024

April 15, 2024
 
Dear UMB Community:
When are UMB Alerts sent? Why does it take so long? 
 
Transparency is critical to earning and keeping your trust. We have provided answers to these nuanced questions in The Elm. While the emergency alerts system is not perfect, I hope this article will provide some context and understanding for our community. 
 
I often receive questions and comments about the emergency messages we send out to our community. I read every text and email, and I want to thank you for reaching out. We are not perfect, but we will always strive to learn and improve. Your feedback makes us better — thank you.
Sincerely,
 
Thomas Leone, MSL
Assistant Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police
Safety Tip: See Something? Say Something! 
University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) police and security officers are on patrol 24/7, but you can help keep our community safe! What should you look out for? 
  • Someone trying to enter a secure UMB building without swiping their UMID or signing in at the visitor kiosk.
  • Someone pulling multiple car door handles or looking inside vehicles.
  • You notice something that doesn’t feel right. Trust your gut! 
  • You are a witness or victim of any crime, no matter how small. These reports can prevent future incidents and/or can help us to provide mental health resources, drug treatment referral, or other needed support, if appropriate. 
 
If you notice this or other suspicious activity, call UMB Police and Public Safety right away! Don’t delay — call 410-706-6882. In an emergency, always call 911.  
Safe Ride: Severe Weather
Our Safe Ride service is available from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. April showers can bring longer-than-usual wait times. Safe Walk may also be delayed until it is safe to walk outside.
 
Our employees who provide Safe Walk/Safe Rides 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 for Men
Registration for Resisting Aggression with Defense (R.A.D.) for Men Basic Physical Self-Defense training is open. The free course runs May 28 to June 20 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.
 
Special Event Services
Don’t wait until the last minute! UMB police and/or security officers are available to support your upcoming special event. Submit your request now. 
 
UMB Public Safety by the Numbers: March
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: 13 minutes, 28 seconds
  • Safe Rides given: 2,395
  • Building checks: 2,678
  • Local business checks: 143
  • Garage checks: 802
  • Visitors logged: 12,062
The UMB Office of the Fire Marshal is a part of UMB Public Safety.
Pet Fire Safety
Pets can cause a fire, so we need to be careful with pets in the home. This tip sheet offers information and guidance on home fire safety, smoke alarms, and pet wildfire preparedness. 
 
New Guidelines
The Office of the Fire Marshal has implemented several new guidelines at UMB to keep our community safe. New and updated guidelines include: chafing fuel use and storage, outdoor cooking, portable outdoor fireplaces, portable space heaters, and tents. 
 
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. 
 
Learn more about the UMB Office of the Fire Marshal at umaryland.edu/fire-marshal.
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.
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.
Keeping Your SciShield Profile Up to Date 
 
As EHS training migrates into the SciShield system, it is more important than ever to keep your laboratory profile up to date. During routine laboratory inspections, EHS staff will now check to make sure lab personnel, their roles, and the potential hazards have been updated or confirmed in the last year. Click here for more information.
 
If you need help with your SciShield profile, reach out to a member of our team at ehsaudits@umaryland.edu to schedule a teleconference or visit!
Please visit umaryland.edu/police for more information
about UMB Police and Public Safety. 
 
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Office of Communications and Public Affairs

220 Arch St., Baltimore, MD 21201