Emergency Services
Important Telephone Numbers
| Unit | Telephone |
|---|---|
| Fire/Medical/Police Emergency | 301-405-3333 or 911 |
| Loss of Power | 301-314-9675 |
| Flooding/Water Damage | 301-314-9675 |
| Police Non-Emergency | 301-405-3555 |
The University has an Early Warning System consisting of a series of sirens to alert the campus community to potentially life-threatening emergencies. The System is designed to notify students, faculty, and staff of imminent dangerous conditions. The sirens are loud enough to alert the entire University outside areas and areas contiguous to the University.
Early Warning System Siren Test:
- A 30-second audible test of the sirens occurs on the first Wednesday of each month at 11:55 a.m.
- A 10-second low audible test occurs each Wednesday at 5:00 p.m.
For more information about the Emergency Notification System, visit University of Maryland Police Department.
At times, incidents involving potential flooding or large discharges of water may occur inside the residence halls due to issues such as, but not limited to, pipe leaks, water infiltration due to weather, damaged sprinkler heads, etc. The University cannot assume responsibility for damage or loss of personal property due to flood, water leak, etc.
Help guard yourself against potential damage due to flooding by:
- Keep valuable items, including electronics, off the floor and away from pipes.
- Check with your family’s homeowner’s or apartment dweller’s insurance policy or consider purchasing renter’s insurance to ensure proper coverage to protect against potential damage to personal property.
Insurance Claims
Call the Office of Risk Management - Insurance Services at 301-405-3961 or email insurance@umd.edu. Residents with personal property damaged by fire, smoke, or water may find coverage under their personal renter or homeowner policy or they may submit a claim to the State of Maryland for reimbursement by the State's insurance program. Be advised that reimbursement is not automatic and is based on the findings of an independent claims investigator.
In the event of a flooding emergency, follow the guidelines below:
Call the 24-hour Residential Facilities Service Center at 301-314-9675 to report the emergency. Share as much detail as possible regarding:
- The location of the flood (be specific - which floor, room, area)
- Where does the water appear to be coming from
- Details including how much water is flowing (for example, a slow leak from a sink or toilet needs to be described differently than a sprinkler head that is discharging)
- Description of the water (is it hot, is there noticeable steam, is there a color or smell to the water, etc)
A Fire Watch is a temporary inspection approved by the University Fire Marshal. It allows residence halls and fraternity/sorority houses to remain occupied when the building's fire alarm and/or sprinkler system is not working. During the Fire Watch, Resident Life or DSFL staff conduct a physical inspection to check for fire or smoke. If an emergency is detected, they will sound an air horn to notify occupants to evacuate the building.