Safety is a shared responsibility: Staying safe during Spring Break
LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 6, 2026) — Whether you’re heading out of town, staying in Lexington or visiting home, the University of Kentucky Police Department wants every Wildcat to have a safe and enjoyable Spring Break.
Safety doesn’t stop when classes pause. Through the Wildcat Ready initiative, we encourage our campus community to take a few simple steps that can help prevent problems and keep everyone safe.
Plan ahead before you travel
If you’re leaving Lexington for the week, a little preparation can go a long way.
Before you go:
- Lock all doors and windows in your residence hall or apartment.
- Let a trusted friend, roommate or family member know where you’ll be.
- Secure valuables and important documents.
Planning ahead helps reduce the risk of theft and ensures someone knows how to reach you if needed.
Stay aware while traveling
Spring break destinations can be crowded and unfamiliar. Staying aware of your surroundings can help you avoid risky situations.
A few reminders:
- Keep your phone charged and know how to reach emergency services where you are.
- Watch your belongings in airports, hotels and public spaces.
- Stay with people you trust and look out for one another.
The buddy system is one of the simplest and most effective safety practices.
Make responsible choices
Spring break often includes celebrations and social gatherings. If alcohol is involved, making responsible choices is critical.
We encourage students to:
- Know their limits and pace themselves.
- Never leave drinks unattended.
- Never get into a vehicle with an impaired driver.
- Step in and help a friend if they appear unsafe or vulnerable.
Staying safe in Lexington
If you’re remaining in Lexington over the break, remember that campus safety resources remain available.
Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to:
- Use the SafeZone app to quickly contact UK Police or request assistance.
- Make sure you are enrolled in UK Alert to receive emergency notifications.
- Review the Emergency Response Guide so you know how to respond in different situations.
UK Police will continue normal operations throughout the break and work closely with the city of Lexington and our public safety partners to keep the community safe.
On behalf of the University of Kentucky Police Department, we hope every Wildcat has a safe, relaxing and well-deserved Spring Break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to campus soon.
Stay safe, and as always, stay Wildcat Ready.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.