Community Safety
Building Security
You are the key to security in your residence hall. Building security is a shared responsibility, and your choices play a significant role in maintaining the safety of everyone.
Don't let people you don't know into your building. If you see someone near the entrance, even if they appear to be staff, don't hold the door open for them. Ensure they use their campus ID cards for access. Likewise, our staff won't hold doors open for you, as they may not know who belongs in the building.
Together we can keep our Residence Halls secure and safe.
- We wear our ID cards and uniforms at all times.
- We knock and announce ourselves before entering a room.
- If someone is present, we identify ourselves and explain our purpose. If no one is present, we leave a work order or an "I Was Here" form and lock the door behind us.
- We close doors behind us after entering a building.
- We don't allow others to enter with us or hold exterior doors open. If our work requires keeping an entrance open, we direct residents to use other entrances with ID card access.
If you see any crime or suspicious activity, please contact University Police using one of the following options:
- For emergencies, dial x911 from campus phones.
- Dial 301-405-3555 from any off-campus phone.
- Dial #3333 from any Verizon Wireless, AT&T, Sprint/Nextel, or T-Mobile cell phone.
- Inform your Resident Life community staff, they will assist you and create an Incident Report.
Additional Community Safety Tips
Promoting Healthy Indoor Air Quality
Mold is everywhere and impossible to eliminate completely. While outdoor mold is normal and necessary, indoor growth on porous materials should be prevented and removed.
What Causes Mold Indoors?
- Excess humidity
- Water leaks
- Poor ventilation
- Condensation
- Damp clothes and towels
7 Easy Steps to Keep Your Room Moisture-Free
Help us keep your room comfortable and moisture-free with these easy steps!
- Windows: Close windows when the air conditioning is on to prevent humidity, mold, and mildew. Open windows for fresh air when the humidity is low and the AC is off.
- Thermostat: Keep your thermostat at or above 72 degrees.
- AC Units: Keep furniture and belongings at least 12 inches away from the front, top, and sides of heating/air conditioning units to allow proper air circulation.
- Dehumidifier: If you have a dehumidifier, use it properly to reduce moisture.
- Condensation: Regularly check and wipe off any condensation on the air conditioning unit.
- Wet Items: Properly hang wet clothing and towels to dry.
- Exhaust Fan: Always use the exhaust fan when showering.
Our Trained Staff Are Here to Help
Indoor mold growth can be prevented or minimized by promptly monitoring and correcting moisture problems. Employees in UMD buildings are equipped to identify potential mold causes and take appropriate action
Report Mold Issues
If you notice a leak near doors or windows or see staining on the ceiling, call us immediately. Addressing these issues early prevents significant damage to property and mold growth.
Available Resources
The Department of Residential Facilities has a comprehensive written program, Prevention, Assessment and Removal of Mold, which outlines how we manage excess moisture and mold. Additionally, the university offers a Moisture Control Program, providing further resources to expand your knowledge on the matter.
Our Commitment to a Safe Campus: Managing Asbestos and Lead in Our Residence Halls
At the University of Maryland, our historic campus features buildings dating back to 1914. We take pride in maintaining these historical landmarks in pristine condition so our students can connect with the past. However, due to their age, many of these buildings were constructed using materials like asbestos and lead, which can be harmful if not managed properly.
Our Ongoing Efforts
Over the past 40 years, we've been dedicated to removing these materials with licensed professionals and following strict state and federal regulations. This effort benefits not only our thousands of students who live and study here but also our hundreds of dedicated employees who work hard to maintain our campus.
Asbestos Management
- We have safely removed asbestos (previously used for insulation) from student rooms to protect students from possible exposure.
- Some older buildings still have asbestos in places like pipe elbows or vinyl floor tiles (you can spot them by their size - 9x9).
- We manage these materials carefully to ensure they don't pose a risk, keeping rooms locked and inaccessible to students where necessary.
Lead-Free and Asbestos-Free Buildings
- Newer buildings like Oakland, Prince Frederick, Pyon Chen, Johnson Whittle, and the Leonardtown Apartments, built after 1978, do not have any asbestos or lead and were constructed without hazardous materials.
- Buildings like Cambridge Hall, Somerset Hall, Dorchester Hall, and Queen Anne's Hall have undergone extensive renovations to remove lead materials, with ongoing plans for further renovations and removals planned through summer 2024 and beyond.
Debunking Myths About Asbestos and Lead
- The mere presence of asbestos doesn't pose a hazard.
- Asbestos and lead only become dangerous when they are damaged and release fibers or dust into the air (they become airborne). This can happen from activities like sanding, chipping, or heating with a torch.
- Inhaling or ingesting these particles can cause illness. That's why we carefully monitor and maintain these materials.
How You Can Help
- Refrain from breaking, sanding, chipping, scratching, or heating surfaces like walls and floor tiles with a torch.
- If you see any chipping or damage, call us immediately at 301-314-9675.
To learn more about our commitment to environmental safety and campus sustainability, visit the University’s Environmental Safety, Sustainability and Risk website.
Stay safe, and enjoy your time on our campus!
Your safety during severe weather is our priority. During a tornado watch, stay informed via local broadcasts. If a tornado warning is issued:
- Find shelter immediately in the lowest level of a sturdy building, avoiding elevators and windows.
- Keep essentials like a flashlight nearby and avoid using candles.
For detailed safety guidelines indoors, outdoors, or in vehicles during storms, check our comprehensive Storm Safety & Tornado Alert protocols. Your safety is important—stay informed and prepared with us.
If you observe smoke or fire, activate the nearest fire alarm pull-station to alert others. Exit immediately using the nearest stairwell—avoid elevators. Once outside, call 911 or 301-405-3333 for assistance and wait for authorization before re-entering.
For more information on fire safety and emergency procedures, check out our Fires & Emergency Services guide.