It’s summer time! With the start of June rapidly approaching, summer will be in full swing and so will the start of many activities. Whether you are leaving your residence for vacation or just going out for the day or night, we want our community to continually be proactive in crime prevention by protecting not only your residence but by being aware of your surroundings wherever you may go. Be Smart, Be Safe! See Something, Say Something!
Protecting your residence while you are away:
- If possible, stop mail and newspaper deliveries.
- Place lights on a timer to give the appearance of someone being home.
- Take valuable items such as jewelry, money, portable electronic devices, etc., with you to avoid potential theft.
- Double-check to be sure all windows and doors are locked and secured before you leave.
- Ask a friend or a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your residence while you are away.
- Set your alarm to your security system.
- If you are leaving your vehicle for a long period of time, remove items of value, secure windows and doors, and if you have a security feature, engage it.
- Store away and secure any loose items that might be in the yard, for example, a ladder, tools, etc.
- Never enter your residence if you see that a door or window has been forced open. Go to the nearest safe place and contact the local police immediately.
Protecting your residence while you are here:
- Keep doors and windows locked, regardless of whether they are an upper or lower level windows/entrances.
- Before you leave your home, check to be sure that all windows and doors locked.
- Require identification from all strangers (includes delivery/repair persons and police officers). If you're not sure of a person's ID, call the person’s company/agency to verify.
- Never leave notes/messages on your door since they advertise that you're away and when you plan to return.
- Don't ever tell anyone that you are home alone.
- Use blinds and drapes for privacy.
- Ensure bushes are trimmed back to remove hiding places for potential criminals.
- Ensure your home has good interior and exterior lighting for safety and protection.
- Always have car/house keys in hand before exiting secured areas.
- Keep hands free of excessive packages/bulky items when you’re travelling to/from your home.
- Never enter your home if you see that a door or window has been forced. Go to the nearest safe place and contact the local police immediately.
- Never place a key over your doorway or under a flower pot, etc. If you think you may need access to a spare key, consider leaving a key with a trusted friend or neighbor.
Be Smart, Be Safe! See Something, Say Something! Wherever you may be this summer.
- Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings and the surroundings of your friends. Don’t walk, ride, or drive distracted. Put down the phone, take the ear buds/headphones out/off and look where you are going.
- Leave the party with friends. They’re not having a good time, either.
- See Something, Say Something! No matter where you go this summer, 911 is the same in all 50 states. If traveling internationally, plan ahead and find out what phone number is used in case of an emergency. You can also visit http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/alertswarnings.html for more information about alerts and warnings for international travel.
- Save the bingeing for Netflix. Seriously, stop drinking before you forget how much you’ve been drinking.
- After dark, walk with others and use well-lit paths.
- Take it with you. Don’t leave property unsecured.
- Do not carry your name, address, or license on your key ring.
- Be aware of vehicles with their headlights off or that slow down near you. If you feel you are being followed, contact the police immediately.
- Don’t advertise your plans on social media.
Pedestrian & Cyclists Safety Tips:
- Stay visible after dark. Avoid wearing dark clothing when going out at night, especially in inclement weather.
- Watch for Signs. Wait for the “Walk” signal to begin crossing. Don’t cross against the pedestrian signal.
- Go Cross-Eyed. Look left, right and left again before stepping into the crosswalk.
- Always use the crosswalk. Don’t Jaywalk.
- Get Your Shine On. Make yourself visible when out at night with reflective gear or lights.
- Be Headstrong. Protect your noggin with a helmet.
- Go with the Flow. Never ride against traffic.
- Use Hand Signals (The Nice Kind). Drivers need to know what turn you’re taking.
Additional Safety Tips & Resources:
- Blue Light Phones are available for emergency situations and to request a walking escort.
- Secure your office. When you go down the hall, to the restroom, or visiting others in your building.
- If you observe suspicious activity or behavior, contact the police immediately by calling #3333 from a mobile phone or 301-405-3333.
UMPD Emergency Number
301-405-3333/#3333 from a mobile phone/911
UMD Police Walking Escort/Non-Emergency:
301-405-3555
UMD Alerts
https://alert.umd.edu (All active UMD students/faculty/staff members are automatically enrolled by their university email accounts. Make sure to login in to your account and register your cell phone to receive UMD Alert text messages via your cell phone in addition to receiving email messages)
Prince George's County Police
911 from mobile phone / 301-352-1200 (non-emergency) / 911
NITE Ride 301-314-6483
http://www.transportation.umd.edu/niteride.html
Help Center (Peer Counseling & Crisis Intervention)
301-314-4357
http://www.umdhelpcenter.org/
Counseling Center 301-314-7651
http://counseling.umd.edu/
CARE (Confidential Services for Sexual Assault/Harassment/Rape) 301-741-3442
http://www.health.umd.edu/care
Health Center 301-314-8180
http://www.health.umd.edu/
UMD SOS App
http://apps.reslife.umd.edu/SOS/