Sept. 17, 2024

Dear UMB Community:

Everywhere I look around the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) campus, I see excited faces, students walking briskly to their next classes and labs, and a renewed sense of urgency on clear display by all of us who support the educational, research, and clinical activities that are now fully engaged at all seven schools.

It’s an exciting time, to be sure, and it’s also a time to think about safety. I know, I know — we in the Police and Public Safety Department are always thinking about safety, but around the country, September is National Campus Safety Awareness Month. Now is the perfect time to familiarize yourself with all the resources UMB Police and Public Safety provides to make your time on campus as safe and carefree as possible.

Please take a moment to look over our latest newsletter. I think you’ll find some helpful information and great opportunities for training on emergency preparedness, fire safety, and more. Oh, and when you’re out and about, please feel free to say hello, flash a smile, or just wave to our police and security officers. We’re here for you!

Sincerely,

Thomas Leone, MSL

Assistant Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police

Safety Tip: Pedestrian Safety 

The academic year is in full swing, and with the hustle and bustle of campus life, it's easy to get distracted while walking across campus. Here are a few reminders to help you stay safe and aware of your surroundings: 

• Always cross at designated crosswalks. Drivers are more likely to expect pedestrians at crosswalks, making it safer for you to cross the street. 
• Obey all posted traffic signals. Even if you're in a hurry, waiting for the signal could prevent accidents. Be patient and stay alert! 
• Limit distractions by avoiding headphones or earbuds. Music or podcasts can be fun, but they reduce your ability to hear approaching vehicles, bicycles, or even emergency alarms. 
• Familiarize yourself with campus routes and shortcuts. Knowing the layout can help you navigate safely, especially during crowded times. 
• Avoid staring at your phone while walking. Texting or scrolling while walking reduces your ability to notice hazards. Try waiting until you’ve reached a safer spot. 
• Stay aware of bicyclists and electric scooters. They can move quickly and unexpectedly, so be cautious around shared pathways. 
• Walk with a buddy if possible. It’s not only safer but also a great way to stay connected with friends. 

Lieutenants in Leadership

UMB’s Lt. Jason Kunz and Lt. Todd Ring attended the Supervisor Leadership Institute (SLI), which is Part 1 of a three-step leadership series that makes up the FBI-LEEDA (Law Enforcement Executive Development Association) Trilogy. While focused on first-line supervisors, the SLI course is suitable for all police leaders — sworn and civilian. SLI students are engaged in such topics as credibility, discipline, liability, and leadership styles.

Rescheduling: R.A.D. for Women Basic Self-Defense

The R.A.D. for Women Basic Self-Defense course scheduled to start Sept. 17 has been postponed. The class will be rescheduled at a later date.

UMB Public Safety by the Numbers: August

Each month, UMB Police and 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: 9 minutes, 2 seconds

   •   Safe Rides given: 2,154

   •   Building checks: 2,671

   •   Local business checks: 103

   •   Garage checks: 713

   •   Visitors logged: 12,865

Fire Safety Shines, Fires Decline

Is your office fire-safe? The Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) keeps a close eye on all UMB fire protection features, but do you know what to look for in your individual space? Check out these tipsfrom our partners at the U.S. Fire Administration for workplace fire safety. If you have a fire safety concern, please submit it to UMB OFM.

Code Corner: Sprinkler Obstructions

Do the sprinklers in your space have enough room to work? A clear space of at least 18 inches is needed between the top of storage and the ceiling for sprinklers to perform correctly. Storage within 18 inches impacts the sprinklers’ ability to spray water and control a fire.

Learn about additional common code violations from OFM. If you have questions, please reach out to the office directly at firemarshal@umaryland.edu. 

Sign Up for September Training Opportunities

September is National Preparedness Month. OEM is celebrating by providing emergency preparedness training and Stop the Bleed training all month! Find a training near you and RSVP today!

National Best Practices Woven into UMB Emergency Preparedness and Campus Safety Improvements

UMB remains one of the safest places in downtown Baltimore. Now, a multidisciplinary team is tackling seven key safety reforms to take public safety and emergency preparedness to a new level. OEM used lessons learned from emergencies that occurred at schools across the United States to develop an action plan, which is well underway. Read the story.

EHS Radiation Safety Program 

The Radiation Safety Program is designed to protect workers, the public, and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation. It involves establishing and enforcing procedures for handling radioactive materials, operating radiation-producing machines, ensuring proper instrumentation performance, monitoring radiation levels, training personnel, and complying with regulatory standards. The ultimate goal is to minimize radiation exposure to as low as is reasonably achievable while allowing for the safe use of radiation in research and medicine.