MJC Officials Address Safety Protocols at Laurel Park

Officials with The Maryland Jockey Club during a Feb. 13 community meeting hosted by the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association discussed safety protocols with members of the Laurel Park backstretch community who live on site in dormitories.

TMJC Health and Safety Director Jeff Kreimer relayed safety threats and how to maintain a safe stable area.

Electric service is not sufficient to handle large energy loads such as cooking devices, large refrigerators and microwave ovens in dorm rooms. No cooking appliances are permitted, and if a coffee maker is used, it must be plugged into an electrical outlet. Extension cords are not to be used as wiring.

Smoking is not permitted in dorm rooms and smoke detectors should not be tampered with because they detect not only smoke but carbon dioxide. The area around the dorm room heaters should be free of clutter, and no portable heaters can be used without permission from TMJC Facilities Department.

TMJC Security office at the entrance to the stable area has the proper connectivity devices, which are free of charge. Please ask Security personnel or the proper devices for your room.

Major Mike Singletary, Director of Security for the TMJC, said E-Bikes (electrically-charged bikes) cannot be charged on outlets from dorm rooms. He said there are charging stations near the security gate.

Regarding marijuana, Singletary said it is not permitted on the entire Laurel Park property, but TMJC is trying to get regulations changed to permit medical marijuana. Maryland Racing Commission rules state that a badge-holder cannot use any type of drug.

TMJC has amended its dormitory contract with updates and additions. Security is scheduling those who live in each dorm block to come to the Recreation Room so they can read and sign the contract, which is mandatory in order to keep a room.

As was noted earlier, it is imperative that if a resident leaves the property for vacation, personal business, etc., the Security office must be notified. Personal property can be stored in a trailer near the Receiving Barn, but if it’s not retrieved within 21 days, it becomes abandoned property. In addition, each time an employee with a dorm room changes jobs, the new employer should be reported to Lieutenant Francisco Saez.

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