UK Alerts

Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of our facilities, grounds and maintenance crews along with our contracting partners and UK Police, the University of Kentucky will be fully operational and on a normal schedule today, Thursday, Jan. 29.  

These teams have worked around the clock to clear and treat campus roads, sidewalks, parking lots and building entrances. If you notice slippery spots, uncleared walkways, entrances or parking areas that need additional treatment, please email snow@uky.edu. 

We also want to thank the UK Police Department for its dedication to our community. Officers have completed more than 700 rides to and from UK HealthCare hospitals and clinics in the Lexington area to ensure employees made it safety to and from work during the worst of this winter storm.  

Their dedication ensures we can continue our critical missions of education, research, service and patient care safely. 

The cold temperatures will remain a challenge this week, and we recognize some surrounding areas, particularly neighborhoods and side streets, may not yet be cleared. We continue to ask that supervisors offer flexibility for employees during this time, as well as instructors for students.

For those of you coming to campus for work, please arrive early, take precautions and use good judgment while traveling to and navigating campus. 

Winter safety tips 

We are encouraging our community to take a few extra precautions this week. Find our full list of important cold weather reminders at go.uky.edu/ColdWeather.  

• Limit time outside whenever possible. 
• Dress in layers, including insulated coats, hats that cover your ears, gloves or mittens, scarves and warm socks. 
• Cover exposed skin and protect your face from the wind. 
• Wear shoes or boots with strong traction to reduce slips.  
• UK Human Resources has tips to Walk Safe this winter. 
• Take warming breaks indoors if you’re outside for extended periods. 
• Be alert for signs of cold-related illness such as numbness, shivering, confusion, or skin discoloration — seek help immediately if symptoms occur. 
• Students who may need assistance with cold weather gear can fill out an online form to be connected to resources.  

Navigating campus safely 

UK Facilities Management has a priority snow clearing plan based on the volume of walking traffic across campus. Find a map of our WalkSafe paths online here. 

Slow down and use caution while walking on potentially slick surfaces. 

UK Transportation Services provides free 24/7 battery jumpstarts for UK permit holders, patients and visitors. Call 859-257-5757 during regular office hours or 859-241-3031 after hours and on weekends. 

Stay informed 

Ensure you are signed up for UK Alert, the university’s official emergency notification system. All UK students, faculty and staff automatically receive UK Alert to their official UK email addresses. 

As an important reminder, employees must now download the SafeZone app and register with a valid mobile phone number to receive UK Alerts via phone call and text. 

• Visit go.uky.edu/SafeZoneApp to download SafeZone. Log in using your linkblue credentials, then add your cell phone number to your SafeZone profile. If you do not have a smartphone or need help with registration, please email cmp@uky.edu.  

UK students will automatically receive phone call and text UK Alerts when they provide a current number in myUK. 

UK HealthCare employees should continue to monitor The Loop for updates. 

The university will communicate any updates through UK Alert, email and www.uky.edu/alerts. 

Thank you for looking out for yourselves and one another — and for extending patience and grace as we navigate challenging weather together. We are deeply grateful for the crews who continue working in extreme conditions to support our community.