Campus Safety Tips

General Safety Tips:

  1. Lock your vehicle and do not leave valuable items in view in the vehicle
  2. Do not leave valuables, such as a purse, in an unlocked drawer or under a desk
  3. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it usually is….
  4. Protect your computer passwords, see UMES IT Support. Do not leave passwords in desk drawers.
  5. Personal computers should be engraved and in many cases, secured. Contact Crime Prevention Office for details at (410) 651-6590 or x6590.
  6. Make sure you secure the dorm room doors. Almost every theft from a dorm room is through an unlocked door both while away and while sleeping.
  7. If you must remain in a building after hours, make sure someone is with you when you leave.
  8. Report lost or stolen ID or credit cards promptly.
  9. Never leave valuables unattended while in a class or in PE
  10. Secure your locker, even if unattended only for a few minutes
  11. Engrave valuables, such as televisions, stereos, cameras, etc.
  12. Always lock ground floor windows. Never leave them unlocked.
  13. Make sure bicycles are locked to an immoveable object with a good lock, not free standing.
  14. Make a copy of your credit cards and driver’s license to keep in a safe place in case of loss.
  15. Utilize ATM machines in the day light. If you must go to an ATM at night, take a friend with you.
  16. At book buy back time, books are like cash. Do not leave text books unattended.

Simple Rules for Personal Safety: 

    1. Stay alert, be aware and prepared. If you feel an incident could lead to bodily harm:

  • Yell for help
  • Flee from the area
  • Seek help from others in the area

    2. If you are the victim of a crime, you can help police by trying to remember a violator’s     

         appearance, such as distinguishing marks, tattoos, hairstyle, height and clothing, if the

         individual is not known to you.

   3.  In addition, please review and consider these following safety tips:

  • Avoid walking or jogging alone after dark. Walk in large groups or where other people are present; it goes without saying there is greater safety in numbers.
  • Walk in well-lit areas and stay near the curb, away from alleys, entry ways and bushes.
  • Wear clothing and shoes that give you freedom of movement. Avoid carrying a purse or too many items.
  • If you are being followed, change directions and vary your speed. Go to a well-lit area, where other people are present. If followed by someone in a vehicle, turn and walk in the other direction. Record the license plate number, if possible. 
  • Consider using the UMES Police Department’s safety escort service by contacting: 410-651-6590.
  • If you are confronted by large groups of people unknown to you, do not engage in confrontation with them.
  • If you see something suspicious, contact the Police Department immediately or call 9-1-1. Remember: “If you see something, say something”
  • You are your own best protection! 
  • PLEASE sign up for the University’s HAWK ALERTS. You will receive emergency information and messages about events affecting the campus. The easiest way to sign up for Hawk Alerts is to use the text enrollment feature. Text “Hawkalert” to the number 226787 and you will be automatically enrolled. When you do this you will receive an acknowledgement that you are in the Hawk Alert system.

The University Police Department’s website contains additional resources about crime prevention and person safety, and a link to sign up for HAWK ALERTS. https://www.umes.edu/police/

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