While Tuesday's fire alarm at Fulton High School was purely an accidental pull, it offered a good opportunity to remind folks pulling one on purpose is against the law.
"It could be a peace disturbance; it could be an internal discipline issue or possibly a more serious crime," Fulton Police Lt. Bill Ladwig said.
In some states, maliciously pulling a fire alarm in a school or other building can be a felony.
About 1 p.m. Tuesday, a student playing volleyball accidentally set off a fire alarm while reaching for the ball, Ladwig said.
"It was a completely accidental pull of the alarm handle," he added.
Two Fulton fire trucks and three police vehicles responded. About 600 students were evacuated, according to Karen Snethen, a spokeswoman for the district.
"We sent a text out to high school parents and district staff," she added.
Ladwig said police always respond to alarms.
"Sometimes people accidentally call 911 - we go to all of those (calls)," he said. "That's what we're here for. It's our policy to go to every single alarm."