Safety Information

Safety & Security

 

Living on campus does not exempt South Campus Commons residents from possible threats to their personal safety. Thus, please use the following precautionary measures to minimize existing dangers and hazards in the environment.

For additional information, see below and download this security pamphlet.

Safety Information

Program Your Cellular Phone

University of Maryland Police can be reached from a cellular phone by dialing 301.405.3333 or #3333. Take time now to pre-program this number into your cellular phone. Calling 911 from a cellular phone, will reach Prince George’s County Police and you should ask to be transferred to University of Maryland Police.

Personal Safety Precautions
  • Do not walk or bike alone after dark; walk with friends or in a group, call for an escort or ride Shuttle-UM buses. After 3:00am call x4NITE for curb-to-curb service by Shuttle-UM vans
  • Walk in well-lit and well-traveled areas
  • Be aware of your surroundings
  • Be aware of the locations of the nearest blue light emergency phones
  • Be wary of persons you don’t know
  • Report suspicious persons or activity to the police
  • Stay away from relatively isolated areas
  • Plan what you will do if confronted by a potential assailant (run, scream, fight, try to gain his/her confidence while waiting for safe escape opportunity)
  • Have a cell phone available
  • Have a friend or family member know your whereabouts
Apartment Safety Precautions
  • Keep your apartment and bedroom door locked at all times, even if you or one of your roommates is home
  • Carry your keys with you at all times
  • Make sure doors close and latch behind you
  • Confront persons you don’t know; if you can’t confront, report suspicious persons to the police and to your service desk
  • Report damaged or malfunctioning doors, locks, etc. to the Service Desk
  • Report “salespeople” or “solicitors” to your Service Desk; they don’t belong in the building
  • Escort your guests at all times
  • Don’t prop doors open
  • Don’t allow people to enter the building behind you, even if you think they may be a South Campus Commons resident. This kind of “tailgating” is how many criminals gain entry to apartment buildings. Your neighbors will understand and appreciate your caution
  • Use your peep hole to determine who is knocking on your door
Know What To Do If Approached
  • It is not necessary, and may not be advisable, to confront someone who has a weapon or is angry enough to inflict harm on another person. Should the situation arise, as naturally as possible, move away to your room, a friend’s room, a group of people, a well-lighted area, etc. Then, call Police at 911 or #3333 from a cellular phone.
  • Get to know your neighbors and watch out for one another. If you see or hear anything suspicious, or witness any illegal activity, notify the police immediately
  • Police & Security patrols the residential communities of the campus every night and their surrounding areas are being monitored by:
  • University Police Officers in marked and unmarked police cars (24 hours daily),        motorcycles, bicycles, and on-foot patrols
  • Surveillance cameras at more than 210 selected locations (outdoors, inside parking   garages and libraries) across the campus (24 hours daily)
Escorts/N.I.T.E. Ride

Escorts by uniformed Police Officers or Student Police Aides are available 24 hours any day by calling 301.405.3555.

For curb-to-curb service by N.I.T.E. Ride vans 5:30pm to 7:30am any day, just call 4-NITE (6483). Please use N.I.T.E. Ride when evening transit routes are not in service or if your pick-up location or destination is not on an evening transit route.

These services can be requested from any blue-light emergency phone; the Police dispatcher who answers your call will summon a Police escort for you or transfer you to N.I.T.E. Ride.

Evening Transit Route

Shuttle-UM fixed evening transit routes operate seven nights a week from 5:30pm to 3:00am, with buses stopping outside most residence halls, apartments, and along Fraternity Row every 15 to 35 minutes. This is your convenient and safe way to visit friends in other parts of campus and go to libraries, student union, College Park shopping district, College Park Metro station, etc.

Please visit the Department of Transportation web site to see schedules for Shuttle-UM transit service evening routes (Blue, Gold, Orange, Purple, Silver and College Park Metro).

Fire Safety

 

Emergency response is by the Prince George’s County Fire Department (PGFD).  911 calls and campus emergency phone calls are received by the UMD Police dispatcher and immediately given to the PGFD dispatcher. UMD also sends its Police to the scene. Emergency medical services are provided by PGFD. There are four other PGFD stations with fire and emergency medical services units within two miles of the campus.

Fire Alarms

Alarm-pull stations and fire bells or horns are located in hallways and other common areas throughout the community. A building’s fire alarm system will sound when a pull station alarm is pulled. The fire alarm systems are monitored by a private fire monitoring company. Individuals must call 911 to report fires and fire alarm activation. Alarm systems are tested twice annually by the UMD Fire Marshal and Maintenance staff. Designated accessible spaces are equipped with assistive devices (e.g., bed-shakers, special smoke detectors and fire alarm warning devices with strobes) for students with disabilities. When an alarm system and/or sprinkler system is temporarily not operational for any reason, a fire watch (walking patrol of the building by staff with air horns to warn residents of a need to evacuate) is maintained until the system is restored; a fire watch is deployed in lieu of mandatory evacuations of residents. Restoration of fire alarm systems to full service is a priority.

Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors are in every student bedroom and also in living rooms of the apartments. Smoke alarms are intended to alert residents to a fire or smoke in their room or apartment. They are not connected to the building fire alarm system, so in a fire emergency the nearest alarm must be pulled and 911 called. Smoke alarms are tested one or more times annually by Maintenance staff.

Sprinkler Systems

Sprinkler systems exist in all buildings, including all student rooms. Individual sprinkler heads are heat-activated. These are not places for hanging items. They put out 35 gallons a minute of water when activated.

Fire Evacuation Drills

Unannounced drills are conducted by the UMD Fire Marshal and Maintenance staff once per semester. Drills are conducted to let resident students practice safe evacuation procedures and to evaluate staff performance. Buildings that do not pass a drill (e.g., evacuation too slow, students remain in building, 911 is not notified, etc.) are reported to management for follow-up educational and/or disciplinary action and are subject to retesting.

Fire Prevention Tips
  • Only use power strips with a UL seal and that are not frayed or worn
  • Limit the number of appliances that are plugged in or in used at one time
  • Do not use or possess fireworks, lighted candles, flammable fuels, or space heaters
  • Do not use or possess Torchiere halogen lamps or halogen bulbs
  • Do not smoke or allow others to smoke in your room or anywhere in the building
  • Do not tamper with smoke detectors, sprinklers, or other life safety equipment
  • Do not allow anything or anyone to touch sprinklers
If You Hear The Fire Alarm Sound
  • Always assume an emergency; never assume a false alarm.
  • Immediately exit the building using the nearest stairwell.  Use stairs, not elevators.
  • Move away from the building and stay clear of fire lanes.
  • Do not re-enter the building until informed to do so by fire department officials.
  • Call 911 or University Police at 301.405.3333 or #3333 from a mobile phone to report as much information as possible.
If You Smell Smoke Or You See Smoke Or Fire
  • Never attempt to fight or put out a fire.
  • Pull the nearest building alarm.
  • Close your room door.
  • Safely exit the building.
  • Call 911 or University Police at 301.405.3333 or #3333 from a mobile phone to report as much information as possible.
What You Should Do
  • Know locations of exit stairwells and doors.
  • Plan more than one exit route.
  • Never prop open fire doors.
  • Never leave your stove or oven unattended when in use.
  • Never secure bicycles to stairwells or handrails, which could delay emergency exit.

Review additional residence hall fire safety information online at http://www.reslife.umd.edu/global/documents/commhandbook/safetysecurity.pdf

Cooking Options for Shabbat and Jewish Holidays

The use of a stove, microwave, and/or oven while your apartment is unoccupied is prohibited at South Campus Commons.  Because of the associated fire hazard, stoves and ovens also cannot be left on while unattended or for longer than needed to cook or warm food items.  Failure to follow these regulations puts the safety and well-being of you and others throughout the apartment community at risk and could jeopardize your housing status.

The Department of Resident Life, Capstone On-Campus Management, Hillel, Chabad, and the University Fire Marshal’s Office have identified alternatives for students living in apartments to be able to cook safely during Sabbath and holiday periods without leaving stoves or ovens on unattended or for longer than needed to cook/warm food.

Option 1: Designate a friend or neighbor to assist

Talk with a friend or neighbor in your residence hall who would be willing to come to your apartment to turn on/off your appliances at designated times before and after you complete your food preparation.

Option 2: Use other approved appliances

Stoves and ovens are not allowed to be left on without a resident supervising their use. However, several types of small kitchen appliances are designed to be left on for longer periods of time without constant supervision.  These appliances include slow cookers (e.g., Crock Pot) and warming trays, used with a timer that can turn appliances on and off at pre-set times.

Should you choose to purchase and use one of these appliances, you must be sure that the device is listed by an approved testing laboratory such as Underwriters’ Laboratories.  A listed appliance has been tested and shown to be safe when used as recommended and will show the testing laboratory’s mark, such as “UL”. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions and use the product only as indicated by the manufacturer.  Doing otherwise also represents a safety hazard.

Option 3: Eat-in and carry-out options

Instead of cooking in your apartment, you can eat-in at Hillel and Chabad, or you can order a carry-out meal to serve to friends.  There are also kosher food options available at the Commons Shop.  For more information on these options use the contact information below:

Weather Notices

 
Don’t be caught off guard when severe weather strikes! Read the information below to help you and your neighbors stay safe.

What To Do During a Flood and Heavy Rain
Flooding is often an effect of prolonged severe weather. However, under some conditions, a flood can hit suddenly, known as a flash flood. Flood conditions can cause extensive damage, shut down transportation, and even impede communication systems. Heavy rain, even without flooding, can cause significant damage to property if not properly protected.

Be Informed

Be Prepared

  • Remain alert for the potential of severe weather.
  • Be sure all windows are closed, including bedrooms and suite/apartment common areas, stairwells, bathrooms, other public spaces, and vehicles. This will aid in flood prevention.
  • Bring items into your apartment from balconies and patios to avoid damage and airborne hazard.
  • Secure your bike to a community bike rack.
  • Report any issues related to water leaking or flooding immediately to your Service Desk.
  • In the event of power loss, have a flashlight and extra batteries on hand.  (Note: Lit candles are not permitted for fire safety reasons.)
  • If you are unable to close a window, please submit a work order prior to 5pm via your resident portal.

Be Safe

  • Be careful when venturing outside during any storm.
  • Report down trees, tree limbs, standing water, or debris on campus to 301.314.9675.
  • Report emergencies immediately to University Police at 301.405.3333.

Visit Resident Life’s emergency preparedness website for additional information about how the University prepares for and responds to Severe Weather.

What To Do During a Hurricane
Be Informed

Be Prepared

  • Remain alert for the potential of severe weather.
  • Be sure all windows are closed, including bedrooms and suite/apartment common areas, stairwells, bathrooms, other public spaces, and vehicles. This will aid in flood prevention.
  • Bring items into your apartment from balconies and patios to avoid damage and airborne hazard.
  • Secure your bike to a community bike rack.
  • Report any issues related to water leaking or flooding immediately to your Service Desk.
  • In the event of power loss, have a flashlight and extra batteries on hand.  (Note: Lit candles are not permitted for fire safety reasons.)
  • If you are unable to close a window, please submit a work order prior to 5pm via your resident portal.
  • Keep keys, ID, cash and credit cards, a flashlight, batter-operated radio, and extra batteries with you.
  • Unplug appliances, television, computer, etc. to avoid power surge problems.
  • Know the whereabouts of roommates and neighbors

Be Safe

  • Be careful when venturing outside during any storm.
  • Report down trees, tree limbs, standing water, or debris on campus to 301-314-9675.
  • Report emergencies immediately to University Police at 301.405.3333.
  • SOUTH CAMPUS COMMONS Stay clear of elevators to avoid possibility of being trapped)
  • If you are unable to evacuate prior to a hurricane, take shelter immediately. Find an interior room away from windows and sharp objects that could become airborne.
  • For added protection, get under something sturdy such as a table, to protect yourself from projectiles. If unable to move or use anything more robust, find blankets or pillows for protection.

Avoid taking shelter where there are heavy objects nearby (such as the refrigerator). If possible also avoid taking shelter directly beneath these area.

After the storm passes

  • After you know you are safe, alert family and friends – but limit the number and length of calls
  • Monitor conditions on radio or television news. Stay indoors until it is safe.
  • When going outside, be extra careful when walking on wet and slippery surfaces. Be mindful of your surroundings and avoid potentially hazardous areas.

Visit Resident Life’s emergency preparedness website for additional information about how the University prepares for and responds to a Hurricane.

What To Do During a Power Outage

Be Informed

  • Monitor local weather reports at sources such as WTOP 1500 AM radio, WTOP 103.5 FM radio, local television stations, www.weather.com, and www.weather.gov/
  • Register for UMD Alerts, if you haven’t already done so (www.alert.umd.edu).
  • Check to see if the outage is localized to your apartment or if is community-wide.
  • DO NOT call 911 to report a power outage. Report a localized power outage to your Service Desk. A community wide power outage will be reported to PEPCO by on-site staff.

Be Prepared

  • Minimize opening of your refrigerator and freezer. This can extend the life of your food. Carefully check food for spoilage prior to use.
  • Turn off and unplug computer, radio, television, and other personal electronics to avoid a power surge when the power is restored.
  • For widespread power outages, monitor the local news for updates. Information is also often sent through UMD alerts.
  • Remember, cordless telephones do not work during a power outage. Keep a corded landline phone plugged into your room’s phone jack.

Be Safe

  • Stay calm. Stay in your room or go to a place where you feel safe and comfortable.
  • Be mindful that climate control systems will not operate during a power outage.
  • Apartment lighting will not work during an outage. Use flashlights and keep extra batteries on hand.   DO NOT USE CANDLES!
  • SCC Emergency lights from backup generators will minimally illuminate stairwells and lobbies.   Emergency generators also power the fire safety system.
  • CTY Backup generators will power fire safety systems, hallway lighting, and exterior emergency lighting.

For extended power outages

  • You can extend the life of food during an extended power outage by using a cooler and packing your refrigerated items with ice. Visit the Food Safety and Inspection Service’s page on Food Safety in an Emergency for more information about food safety.
  • For widespread and extended outages, be alert for notices regarding water filtration failures. It is recommended to use bottled or treated water for consumption during an outage.
  • Minimize travel. Congestion is likely if traffic lights are out. If you must travel, be extra cautious and treat every intersection as an all-stop intersection when traffic lights are non-functioning.
  • During times of low temperatures, dress in layers and use extra blankets to keep warm.
  • During times of high temperatures, dress in light clothes and drink plenty of water. Keep windows open, when safe, to allow better ventilation.

Visit Resident Life’s emergency preparedness website for additional information about how the University prepares for and responds to Power Outages

What To Do During a Tornado
When a Tornado Watch or Tornado Warning are issued, please pay attention to local, televised weather forecasts, or http://www.weather.com/weather/today/College+Park+MD+20740. Be extra cautious and consider your safety first!

Be Informed

Be Prepared

  • WHAT IS A TORNADO WATCH?

A tornado watch means that conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms and multiple tornadoes in and close to the watch area. People in the affected areas are encouraged to be vigilant in preparation for severe weather.

  • WHAT IS A TORNADO WARNING?

A tornado warning means that a tornado has been sighted by spotters or indicated on radar and is occurring or imminent in the warning area. If a tornado warning is issued, people in the affected area are strongly encouraged to take cover immediately.

  • SIGNS OF AN APPROACHING STORM

You cannot always depend on seeing the funnel, as rain, hail, and clouds can block your view. Keep alert for the following signs that a storm could be coming:

–       A dark or green-colored sky
–       A large, dark, low-lying cloud
–       Large Hail
–       A loud roar that sounds like a freight train

If you notice any of these weather conditions, take cover and keep tuned to a local radio or TV station.

Be Safe

  • If you see a funnel cloud nearby, take shelter immediately. Find an interior room away from windows and sharp objects that could become airborne.
  • For added protection, get under something sturdy (such as a table) to protect yourself from projectiles. If unable to move or use anything more robust, find blankets or pillows for protection.
  • Avoid taking shelter where there are heavy objects nearby (such as the refrigerator). If possible also avoid taking shelter directly beneath these areas
  • If you are caught outside, keep clear from trees. If in a motor vehicle, do not try to outrun the tornado. Stop the vehicle and take shelter. Cars, buses, and trucks are easily tossed by tornado winds.

Visit Resident Life’s emergency preparedness website for additional information about how the University prepares for and responds to a Tornado.

What To Do During an Earthquake

Stay as safe as possible during an earthquake. Be aware that some earthquakes are actually foreshocks and a larger earthquake might occur. Minimize your movements to a few steps to a nearby safe place, and if you are indoors, stay there until the shaking has stopped and you are sure exiting is safe.

Be Informed

Be Prepared

  • Report any issues related to damage to your Service Desk.
  • In the event of power loss, have a flashlight and extra batteries on hand.  (Note: Lit candles are not permitted for fire safety reasons.)
  • Be alert for possible aftershocks.

Be Safe

If indoors

•DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture, and HOLD ON until the shaking stops. If there isn’t a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.

•Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.

•Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place.

•Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if you know it is a strongly supported, load-bearing doorway.

•Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave.

•Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.

If outdoors

•Stay there.

•Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.

•Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits and alongside exterior walls. Ground movement during an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of death or injury. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.

If in a moving vehicle

•Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires.

•Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.

If trapped under debris

•Do not light a match.

•Do not move about or kick up dust.

•Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.

•Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.

Visit Resident Life’s emergency preparedness website for additional information about how the University prepares for and responds to Earthquakes.

What To Do During Extreme Heat

When forecasts call for extremely high temperatures, it is important that we all take steps during the day to ensure that we keep safe and all apartments are protected.

Be Informed

Be Prepared

  • Avoid running the air conditioning and opening the windows at the same time.
  • Close windows when leaving your apartment, especially for an extended period.
  • Be mindful of moisture in your apartment, and report any suspected organic growth immediately.
  • Report HVAC malfunctions via the resident portal.
  • If you experience a heating malfunction during the night, or if flooding occurs due to a broken pipe, please contact your Service Desk for assistance.

Be Safe

  • Remember to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of cool, non-alcoholic and low sugar liquids.
  • Be mindful of your daytime activities and exposure to the sun and heat.
  • Wear protective clothing and sunscreen.
  • Be mindful of feelings of sickness, as this could indicate dehydration.

If you cannot close a window completely or your heating unit is not functioning properly, please submit a work order immediately via the resident portal to report the problem so that maintenance staff can respond and address the problem as soon as possible.

Visit Resident Life’s emergency preparedness website for additional information about how the University prepares for and responds to Extreme Heat.

What To Do During Severe Thunderstorms
Severe thunderstorms can hit at any time, and at times with little warning for the degree of severity. These storms can include a wide range of weather conditions, including rapidly fluctuating temperatures, heavy precipitation, fog, lightning strikes, high winds, and flooding.

Be Informed

Be Prepared

  • Remain alert for the potential of severe weather.
  • Be sure all windows are closed, including bedrooms and suite/apartment common areas, stairwells, bathrooms, other public spaces, and vehicles. This will aid in flood prevention.
  • Bring items into your apartment from balconies and patios to avoid damage and airborne hazard.
  • Secure your bike to a community bike rack.
  • Report any issues related to water leaking or flooding immediately to your Service Desk.
  • In the event of power loss, have a flashlight and extra batteries on hand.  (Note: Lit candles are not permitted for fire safety reasons.)
  • If you are unable to close a window, please submit a work order prior to 5pm via your resident portal.

Be Safe

  • Be careful when venturing outside during any storm.
  • If a tornado warning is issued, take shelter at once.  (A warning indicates that severe weather has been sighted or is indicated by weather radar)
  • Report down trees, tree limbs, standing water, or debris on campus to 301.314.9675.
  • Report emergencies immediately to University Police at 301.405.3333.

Visit Resident Life’s emergency preparedness website for additional information about how the University prepares for and responds to Severe Weather.

What To Do During Severe Wind
Severe wind can hit at any time, and at times with little warning for the degree of severity. Severe wind can cause vehicular accidents, power outages, flooding, and severe damage to property and trees.

Be Informed

Be Prepared

  • Remain alert for the potential of severe weather.
  • If alerted to possible severe wind conditions, be sure all windows are closed, including bedrooms and suite/apartment common areas, stairwells, bathrooms, other public spaces, and vehicles.
  • Bring items into your apartment from balconies and patios to avoid damage and airborne hazard.
  • Secure your bike to a community bike rack.
  • Report any issues related to water leaking or flooding immediately to your Service Desk.
  • In the event of power loss, have a flashlight and extra batteries on hand.  (Note: Lit candles are not permitted for fire safety reasons.)
  • If you are unable to close a window, please submit a work order prior to 5pm via your resident portal.

Be Safe

  • Be careful when venturing outside during any storm.
  • If a tornado warning is issued, take shelter at once.  (A warning indicates that severe weather has been sighted or is indicated by weather radar)
  • Report down trees, tree limbs, standing water, or debris on campus to 301.314.9675.
  • Report emergencies immediately to University Police at 301.405.3333

Visit Resident Life’s emergency preparedness website for additional information about how the University prepares for and responds to Severe Wind.

What To Do During Winter Weather
When winter weather (snow, sleet, ice, freezing temperatures) occurs, Maintenance Staff will be working throughout the day to clear the stairs and sidewalks of snow and ice. Residents are requested to also take necessary precautions for the weather to protect themselves and their apartment.

Be Informed

Be Prepared

  • Do not park too close to the curb and the sidewalks as the snow plow will need to be able to clear them. (Vehicle bumpers should not protrude over the sidewalk)
  • Secure your bicycle to a bike rack and bring in all balcony items.
  • Report facilities-related concerns immediately via your resident portal. For emergencies, you may contact your Service Desk who will get in touch with the Student Staff on duty.
  • Keep your cell phone charged and have a flashlight on hand in the event of power loss.  (Never use lit candles, which are a fire hazard and are prohibited from use in residence halls).
  • Windows must be closed completely. Windows that are left open, even slightly, put us at risk for frozen pipes and/or pipe breaks which can cause flooding and property damage.

Be Safe

  • Be cautious when walking and driving.
  • Make your personal safety your top priority if you must be outside during inclement weather. Be safe, make smart choices, and be mindful of your behavior; all community rules will remain in effect during University closures.
  • Call University Police at 301.405.3555 to report emergency situations, downed power lines, or other dangerous conditions on campus.

Protect Your Apartment During Extreme Cold

  • Please clear any personal items that could be blocking heating vents and make sure your heat is turned on to at least a low setting until daytime temperatures warm back up.
  • Open your cabinets (kitchen and bathroom) and laundry room door to improve circulation of heat to these areas.

Visit Resident Life’s emergency preparedness website for additional information about how the University prepares for and responds to Winter Weather.

 

The SmartBurner

 

Every apartment will now have SmartBurner technology installed on the cooktop instead of the traditional electric coils. This equipment is designed to protect you and our community from accidental cooking fires in the kitchen.

The SmartBurner cooking surface temperature is kept below the flash point of most cooking oils and common combustible household items without sacrificing sufficient cooking temperatures. The large cooking surface retains heat more efficiently than a coil element and distributes heat more evenly. You use less energy and get more balanced cooking performance. You can even turn your burner off a few minutes before you finish cooking and the residual heat will complete the job.

Below is some important information that you will need to know for proper use and care that differs from traditional electric stove tops.

SmartBurner Safety
  • SmartBurner will never glow red (at any temperature) so you should not touch the burner. The stove panel element indicator light is your best way to determine if a burner plate is on.
  • Since SmartBurner holds heat longer than a traditional coil element, always take extra care before touching a burner plate, especially after cooking.
  • Flat bottom pots and pans work best on your SmartBurner. Warped or curved bottom pots and pans are less stable and could result in accidental spills.
  • Use cookware that appropriately fits the burner. A pot or pan that is too large for the burner will be less stable and could result in accidental spills.
Care & Cleaning

Please follow the below guidelines to ensure you do not damage the SmartBurner

  • Always ensure the burner is cool before attempting to clean.
  • Do not use steel wool or abrasive chemicals to clean the burner.
  • Do not soak the burner or run through the dishwasher.
  • Use a damp cloth or sponge with mild detergent or soap to clean the surface of the burner and surrounding plate.
  • After thoroughly wiping soap from the burner plate, you should towel dry completely before use.
  • If you experience malfunction of your SmartBurner, please submit a work order.
Cooking Fire Safety Tips
  • Never leave food cooking on the stovetop unattended.
  • Keep cooking area clean and clear of combustibles such as potholders, rags, and food packaging.
    Cooking should never be performed while under the influence of any substance that impairs judgment.
    Wear short, close fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking. Loose clothing can dangle onto stove burners and catch fire.
  • Turn pot handles inward so they can’t be bumped.
  • Never use a wet oven mitt, as it presents a scald danger if moisture in the mitt is heated.
Links & Resources

Missing Persons Policy

 

All residents have the ability to register information for an individual who should be informed in the event the resident is determined to be missing.

Any time that staff members receive a report (e.g. from a roommate, friend, or parent) that a resident has been out of contact and unreachable by phone, email, etc., our staff will take steps to respond to the report. Actions will include attempting to contact the missing student and notifying the University Of Maryland Department Of Public Safety and the Resident Life duty system about the missing student.

Under federal law, you have the right to confidentially register with Resident Life and the University the name and contact information of an individual who you would like to have contacted (within 24 hours) if it is determined that you have been missing from the campus and your whereabouts unknown for a period 24 hours or more.

If you want to take advantage of this option, send the name and phone number of your identified contact by email to reslife@umd.edu or by fax to 301.314.9750. All requests must be made in writing.

Note: For students under the age of 18 (who are not emancipated individuals), federal law requires the university to notify your custodial parent or guardian (within 24 hours) if it is determined that you have been missing from the campus and your whereabouts unknown for a period of 24 hours or more.

Emergency Contact Information

 

Each year at move-in, we ask residents to complete an emergency information card so that if something were to happen, we could notify parents/guardians. As we know that people move and change their telephone numbers, please remember to update this information with us and on MyDRL so that our information is accurate.