Dear UMBC Community,

We'd like to remind our campus community to sign up for UMBC's emergency text alert system. We use this system to provide timely alerts for emergency conditions that may impact our campus.

If you are not already registered for emergency text alerts, please login to your myUMBC account and register here. You can also download the Alertus application for your Mac or PC. Alertus will deliver emergency desktop alerts to your computer. You can find more information about emergency preparedness here.

Actions you can take if an emergency occurs:

• Police Emergencies: If you are the victim of or a witness to criminal activity on campus, or if you observe suspicious activity or behavior, please contact UMBC Police immediately at 410-455-5555.

• Active Threats: In the event of an active threat to the campus community, UMBC Police will provide instructions through the emergency text alert system and Alertus. These instructions will include areas to avoid and/or shelter in place. More detailed information will follow by email.

• Emergency Conditions on Campus: UMBC receives real-time warnings about critical weather events in our area from a national monitoring service. If emergency conditions impact campus, UMBC Police will provide instructions through the emergency text alert system and Alertus. If you receive an alert, follow instructions and wait for the all-clear before resuming normal activities. 

• Facility Emergencies: If a fire alarm activates in your classroom, workspace, or living area, evacuate your building immediately and go to your primary designated assembly area. If you see or smell smoke or see fire in your facility, pull the fire alarm and evacuate immediately. Call UMBC Police at 410-455-5555 when it is safe to do so. UMBC Police will respond and will contact 911 for emergency services support. Do not re-enter the building during an alarm until you receive the all-clear with instructions to return.

Safety Escorts
If you are concerned about your safety as you walk on campus, call 410-455-5555 to request a safety escort. A uniformed police officer or student police aide will be dispatched to escort you to your destination. If you observe suspicious activity or behavior, ensure your personal safety first and then contact UMBC Police at 410-455-5555.

Available Support

Retriever Integrated Health provides free confidential services for UMBC students. If you are in need of counseling services or would like to learn more about available services, please call 410-455-2472 or visit the Retriever Integrated Health website. Faculty and staff can access support through the Employee Assistance Program.

The UMBC Police wish all members of our community a safe and productive semester.

Bruce Perry '97, UMBC Chief of Police