February 2024

Feb. 15, 2024
 
Dear UMB Community:
 
Love is in the air each year on Valentine’s Day. And yet, each day we turn on the news and don’t see a lot of love. Personal, professional, and societal stresses weigh on each of us.
 
At the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), we can all show “love” toward our colleagues, classmates, and community through our core values of Respect and Integrity. Take a moment to share a kind word or a smile with someone today. It goes a long way.
 
If you are struggling with stress or your mental health, help is available at UMB. Students can contact the Student Counseling Center and employees can contact the Employee Assistance Program. For emergency support, contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
Sincerely,
 
Thomas Leone, MSL
Assistant Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police
Safety Tip: Report Incidents to UMB Police and Public Safety
Safety concern? Notice suspicious activity? Immediately report all incidents to UMB Police and Public Safety at 410-706-6882. Your call helps us address security needs, provide resources to vulnerable populations, and support victims and/or witnesses. Trust your gut — your information could help keep our community safe. In an emergency, always call 911.
 
Non-Smoking Policy
The UMB Non-Smoking Policy prohibits smoking on University property other than in approved and signed smoking zones. We have received complaints about the smell of cigarette smoke in stairwells and near buildings. Discarded cigarette butts also can cause mulch fires if not properly extinguished. Be mindful of the health and safety of others and only smoke in designated smoking areas. 
 
Prevent Electric Scooter Thefts
Park wisely to prevent scooter theft. Use a heavy steel chain and/or U-lock that resists bolt cutters or similar tools. Make sure you are locking your scooter to something sturdy, like a bike rack, so it cannot just be lifted off.
Register for R.A.D. Training
Basic Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) training registration 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. 
 
Wheel Lock Giveaway Success and Next Event
UMB Police and Public Safety’s first steering wheel lock giveaway events were a massive success! Hundreds turned out to claim their free lock, which helps to prevent vehicle theft. Read about the wheel lock giveaway events.  
Our next steering wheel lock give-away is Thursday, Feb. 22 from 12 to 2 p.m. in the SMC Campus Center lobby. Steering wheel locks are available on a first-come, first-served basis. One steering wheel lock per person. Anyone may receive a lock; there is no vehicle make/model, ID, or other requirements to receive a free lock.
 
Nearly $4,000 Raised for Special Olympics Maryland
Our team of police officers and administrative staff took the “plunge” into the icy Chesapeake Bay on Feb. 2 to support a great cause! Many of our employees have been plunging for years. Learn more about UMB Police’s involvement at the Police Plunge. 
  
60-Day Crime and Fire Log
UMB Police and Public Safety provides a 60-day crime and fire log on our website that includes preliminary information about incidents that happen on UMB’s campus. You can stay informed by looking at the log here.
 
UMB Public Safety by the Numbers: January
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, 42 seconds
  • Safe Rides given: 2,227
  • Building checks: 421
  • Local business checks: 187
  • Garage checks: 820
  • Visitors logged: 11,826
The UMB Office of the Fire Marshal is a part of UMB Public Safety.
Microwave Safety
We all rely on the microwave oven as a quick way to heat up a meal, warm up a drink, or defrost lunch or dinner. While the convenience of the microwave oven is something we take for granted, safety should not be. By following a few simple safety tips, you can prevent painful burns and possible fires. Learn more.
Hot Work Permit Process Now Online
Did you know that the UMB Hot Work Procedures require a permit for all hot work before it may begin? Hot work includes all welding and allied processes, heat treating, grinding, thawing pipe, powder-driven fasteners, hot riveting, torch-applied roofing, and similar applications producing or using a spark, flame, or heat. Permits may now be requested online.
 
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 here.
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.
Lab Safety Awareness Week
UMB’s Office of Environmental Health and Safety has a mission to enhance community safety through education and service. In celebration of Lab Safety Awareness Week (Feb. 12-16), EHS is sponsoring a contest highlighting our top lab safety inspection findings.
Review our checklist, think about your lab’s safe practices, and remember: There are no wrong answers! By completing and returning the checklist to us, you are demonstrating your hard work and commitment to lab safety.
Your lab will automatically be entered for a chance to be featured as “Lab Safety Rockstars” on the EHS website.
Entries are due by Feb. 26. Submit entries and find more information.
Please visit umaryland.edu/police for more information
about UMB Police and Public Safety. 
 
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