In any emergency, you are responsible for your safety. Think now about what you will do so you can take swift, decisive action when the time comes. The following information is intended to guide you in likely emergencies but cannot take all possibilities into account. If an emergency occurs during class, your instructor will provide further direction based on university and department emergency plans. 

Learn More About Being Prepared

Storm Sheltering/Sheltering in Place 

During a severe storm, protect yourself from lightning and flying debris. Move to an interior room or hallway on the building's lowest level. Avoid outside doors and windows. Recommended shelter locations are marked on the emergency floor plans posted throughout the building. If a hazardous chemical release occurs outside the building, follow these same procedures. Shut all exterior doors and windows. Isolate yourself from outside air. 

View UK's severe weather procedures

To Report an Emergency or Suspicious Activity 

Call the University of Kentucky Police Department at 859-257-8573 (UKPD) from any mobile phone. If the line is unavailable or you are calling from another university location, dial 911. 

Evacuation/Fire 

We will always evacuate for a fire alarm or when university officials order us to do so.  Gather your personal belongings quickly and move to the nearest exit.  Evacuation routes are marked on the emergency floor plans posted throughout the building. If a hazardous chemical release occurs inside the building, follow these same procedures. 

Active Shooter/Violence 

In an active shooter situation or other attack, run – get away from the attacker.  If you can't run, hide – barricade yourself in a safe place.  If neither of these is possible, fight – do whatever you need to do to stop the attacker.   

UK Alert 

The university provides emergency notifications through UK Alert, which broadcasts to email, text message, building alarm systems and outdoor sirens. If you receive a UK Alert message during class, notify your instructor and classmates immediately. Visit UK Alert for more information. 

University of Kentucky created a Division of Emergency Management in August of 2004. It later expanded in November of 2011 to Crisis Management and Preparedness. The CMP Division is a branch of the University of Kentucky Police Department and works closely with other campus departments.