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Tips for Terps

Welcome Back!  As you're preparing to get started with the fall semester, please familiarize yourself with these safety tips to help ensure your success. 

Make the call. Program the number for the University of Maryland Police into your cell phone so you have it at your fingertips in the event of an emergency on campus. If you see a crime in progress or even something suspicious, don’t hesitate, make the call.

  • Emergencies, dial 301-405-3333 or 911
  • Non-emergencies or if calling for a police walking escort, dial 301-405-3555

Call for help in alcohol/drug-related medical emergencies. The University's "Promoting Responsible Action in Medical Emergency" Policy (aka Good Samaritan Policy) provides disciplinary relief for individuals who call for emergency medical assistance in the event of excessive alcohol consumption. Both the caller and the individual in need of medical assistance are covered by the policy. The policy is intended to promote responsible behavior while decreasing any potential disciplinary punishments that may be a deterrent to calling for emergency medical assistance. For more information, read the policy here: http://www.president.umd.edu/policies/docs/V-100J.pdf

Don’t walk alone. Take advantage of the UMPD safety escort services or walk with friends or classmates.

  • To call for an escort, dial 301-405-3555

Protect your property. Never leave items like your backpack, laptop or cell phone unattended-even if it’s just for a minute. Make it a habit to take these valuables with you.

Download and Install UMD's Very Own Safety Apps.

  • M-Urgency Safety App
    • M-Urgency sends live audio and video from your smartphone directly to the University of Maryland Police Department, enabling fast and appropriate dispatch of emergency assistance. Available for Android 2.2 or higher phones and iPhone 4/4S/5 (iOS 6.x).
    • To download and for more info visit: m-urgency.umd.edu
  • UMD SOS App
    • This a joint project between the University Police and Resident Life, Stop. Observe. Seek Information. (SOS) is a safety awareness campaign to promote situational awareness, crime prevention, and emergency preparedness for our University of Maryland community. It is currently available in the App Store. (The Android version is currently under production.)

On the bus. Stay awake and keep your personal belongings close to you. Sit near the door or the driver and stay awake. If someone’s harassing you, ask the driver to let you off at a populated bus stop or a well-lit area like a gas station.

Grab it. Close it. Lock it. College and university parking lots and structures are common targets for thieves. Never leave valuables in your car or items in plain view. Take items like GPS devices, removable stereo faceplates, and electronics with you. Make sure your windows are up and the doors are locked. Apply a security device or set the alarm.

Report solicitors. Magazine subscriptions, donation requests, spa packages and "earn money now" schemes are some of the common methods criminals use to take your money. Avoid solicitors’ scams by politely saying no and immediately notifying university police. Never provide a solicitor with your personal information.

Keep personal information private. Avoid becoming a victim of identity theft by carrying only the necessary items in your wallet or purse. 

Keep your Residence Hall room locked. Even if you’re going next door to a friend’s room, always grab your keys and lock the door. A propped open door is a perfect target for would-be thieves and allows them quick and easy access to your belongings. If your room has additional doors and windows, always be sure they are closed and locked as well.

Protect your wheels. If you ride a bike, register your bike with the Department of Transportation Services.  Registering your bike helps improve the likelihood of recovery if stolen. Invest in a high-quality, hardened steel "U" lock. For optimum security, lock both the front and frame to the bike rack.

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