Stay safe in winter weather, Wildcats
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 14, 2026) — At the University of Kentucky, safety is a shared responsibility. Navigating snow, ice, and freezing temperatures requires proactive planning and informed decision-making. Whether you're walking to class, commuting to campus or staying late for a lab, these tips will help keep you "Wildcat Ready" this winter season:
1. Stay informed
Sign up for UK Alert, the university’s official emergency notification system. In the event of weather-related closures, delays or emergencies, UK Alert will send messages directly to your email. To register for phone call and text alerts:
- Students: Students are automatically enrolled in phone call and text alerts once they have entered a valid cell phone number into myUK.
- Faculty and staff: Faculty and staff must now download the SafeZone app to register for optional phone call and text UK Alerts.
2. Dress for the conditions
Wear warm, layered clothing and proper footwear with good traction. Even short walks can be dangerous on slick sidewalks. Gloves, hats and scarves aren’t just accessories — they’re essential gear in cold weather.
3. Watch for ice
Black ice can form on shaded paths, stairs and parking lots. Use caution, take your time and report hazardous areas to Facilities Management at snow@uky.edu
4. Use the SafeZone app
The SafeZone app connects you directly with UK Police with just the tap of a button. It's a powerful tool year-round, but especially useful during adverse weather conditions. Download it from your device’s app store. For more information visit go.uky.edu/SafeZoneApp.
5. Prepare your vehicle
If you drive to campus, keep your gas tank at least half full and your vehicle stocked with an ice scraper, blanket, flashlight and emergency kit.
6. Be flexible and plan ahead
Give yourself extra time to get to class or work and stay updated on any university schedule changes through official UK channels, like the UK Alert page, or follow UK and the UK Police Department on Facebook and X.
UKPD and partners across campus routinely and closely monitor weather conditions. The goal is always to maintain campus operations safely while keeping the campus community informed and prepared.
For more information on winter safety and emergency preparedness, visit go.uky.edu/WildcatReady.
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.