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2014 Spring Break Safety Tips & Resources

2014 Spring Break Safety Tips

The University of Maryland Police Department kindly reminds our UMD Community that being proactive in safety and security is essential. You might be on vacation, but safety and security never takes a vacation. Please take a moment and familiarize yourself with the below listed safety tips and information.

Protecting your residence while you’re 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.
  • If you have one, 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. 

Safety tips that can be used anywhere: Be Smart, Be Safe!

  • Leave the party with friends. They’re not having a good time, either.
  • Look up from your phone. Snapchat can wait.
  • See Something, Say Something! No matter where you go this spring break, 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.
  • Stay visible after dark. Use lights on your bicycle or wear reflective clothing when out at night. Avoid wearing dark clothing when going out.
  • Go cross-eyed. Look left, right and left again before stepping into the crosswalk.
  • After dark, walk with other 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 your surroundings. Stay alert and attuned to people and circumstances around you-Electronic devices that block your hearing or split your attention make it difficult for you to remain vigilant.
  • If you feel you are being followed, contact the police immediately.
  • Don’t advertise your plans on social media.

 

In addition to the safety information listed above, for those remaining in town, here are some additional safety reminders and resources:

  •  Blue Light Phones are available for emergency situations and to request a walking escort.
  •  Be aware of your surroundings. Stay alert and attuned to people and circumstances around you - electronic devices that block your hearing or split your attention  make it difficult for you to remain vigilant.
  •  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.
  •  Be aware of vehicles with their headlights off or that slow down near you.

Emergency Number 301-405-3333 OR 9-1-1

UMD Police Walking Escort/Non-Emergency:
301-405-3555

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/

 

*Reminder, police services are available 365 days a year, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.

 

 

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