Ensuring Safety and Security During COVID-19

To the Johns Hopkins Medicine community

Dear Colleagues,

The Johns Hopkins security team is dedicated to ensuring public safety and providing a high level of service at all of our campuses, hospitals and other properties. We are proud to be a part of Johns Hopkins as our providers, staff and faculty members, and students work tirelessly to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here are some helpful resources and reminders as we navigate these challenging times together:

Emergency Notifications

Johns Hopkins uses email for emergency alerts, but you can also sign up for text message notifications via the RAVE system. Registration is simple, and you can select the locations about which you want alerts. Information on how to register is available here.

Scams and Other Fraudulent Activity

Unfortunately, criminals are taking advantage of unsuspecting victims during the current situation. Numerous methods have been reported, including:

• Fake COVID-19 cures or at-home test kits for sale online. At this time, there is no cure, vaccination or home test kit for COVID-19.

• Phishing emails and phone calls purportedly from the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or similar organizations requesting personal information. These organizations will never ask for personal or financial information over the phone, via text message or through email.

• Text messages, phone calls and emails about federal relief checks. The official source for information is the Internal Revenue Service.

• Fraudulent donation requests for illegitimate or nonexistent charitable organizations. Do your homework when donating, and never give in cash, gift cards or wire transfers. If you wish to donate, please visit charitywatch.org/ to ensure you are working with a reputable charity.

• Counterfeit products and medical equipment, such as hand sanitizer, N95 respirator masks, eye goggles, face shields, protective gowns and gloves. Only purchase from trusted sources, and be aware of possible counterfeit products. 

See Something, Say Something 

While we have no indication that anyone is planning to target a Johns Hopkins facility, it is critical to alert security immediately if you see something that looks suspicious or sense that something is wrong. Together, we all serve as a valuable resource in the fight against crime and unsafe conditions. Each of us has an obligation to contribute to our personal safety and the well-being of others, and your help to identify potentially threatening individuals or situations is incredibly important.

Security Escort Services

As always, we offer complimentary security escorts for patients, visitors, students and employees. Wherever you are at one of our hospitals or other locations, you can request an escort by talking to the nearest security officer or calling the security office. An officer will meet you and walk with you to your on-campus destination while adhering to social distancing guidelines. You can also call ahead to plan a security escort. See below for locations and phone numbers.

Thank you for everything you are doing to support the COVID-19 response efforts, and for partnering with us during this challenging time. Visit the Johns Hopkins Medicine Internal Resource Portal for information, tools and resources related to COVID-19.

Sincerely, 

Connor D. Scott
Interim Vice President
Johns Hopkins Security

The Johns Hopkins Hospital
Security Office: 410-955-5585

Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital
Security Office: 727-767-3300

Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
Security Office: 410-550-0333

Howard County General Hospital
Security Office: 410-740-7911

Sibley Memorial Hospital
Security Office: 202-537-4674

Suburban Hospital
Security Office: 301-896-2500