Fort Smith Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 128,384 and a calculated risk score of 78.4, Fort Smith faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Fort Smith, AR. The community in Fort Smith is tight-knit and spirited. But being prepared means knowing what could go wrong. Historical data suggests a pattern of winter weather activity.
Total Risk Score
With a calculated Risk Score of 78.449, Fort Smith requires specific preparation. The data highlights Winter Weather as the most critical threat to mitigate.
Winter storm risk in Fort Smith, Arkansas
Severe winter weather and ice storms pose a unique threat to Fort Smith, potentially causing extended power outages and hazardous road conditions. Infrastructure in the area may be vulnerable to heavy ice accumulation.
Fort Smith Winter Grid Failure Prep
- •Have a safe, indoor-rated backup heat source
- •Insulate pipes and know how to shut off main water valve
- •Keep a backup battery bank for charging phones
Top Hazards for The Fort Smith Area
From a statewide perspective in Arkansas, seasonality plays a huge role in the intensity of winter weather here. Consequently, our algorithm flags this as a priority area with a calculated intensity of 99.4. Local schools and businesses typically have robust protocols for these weather events.
Meteorological data for Arkansas confirms that local planning increasingly focuses on mitigating tornadoes. In light of this, based on multi-decade trend analysis, we assign an exposure rating of 94.3. Identifying a safe, windowless interior room is part of basic move-in preparation here.
Observing the seasonal cycles typical of Arkansas, wildfires constitute a major variable in the local quality of life equations. Moreover weighted against regional averages, this score of 93.4 is statistically significant. Home hardening (fire-resistant roofing and siding) significantly improves survival odds.
Monitor Active Threats
Fort Smith has identified seismic or wildfire risks. Check our real-time tracker for active events.
Winter Grid Failure Guide
Fort Smith has significant winter storm risk. Learn the thermodynamics of survival when the power goes out.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in Fort Smith? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Fort Smith
Read the Full Guide →General preparedness is critical for Fort Smith. While specific risks vary, the fundamentals of survival—water, food, and information—remain the same.
Critical Action Checklist
- 1Keep a physical map of the local area in case GPS fails.
- 2Maintain a 3-day supply of non-perishable food and water.
- 3Have a first aid kit and a supply of prescription medications.
- 4Keep a battery-powered radio to stay informed during power outages.
- 5Establish a family communication plan for when cell towers are down.
Essential Gear for Fort Smith
Water
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
Filters up to 100,000 gallons. Essential when tap water is compromised.
Power
Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
600 lumens and rechargeable. Hands-free lighting is critical during power outages.
Home
Gorilla Tape (Black)
Heavy-duty tape for emergency repairs, sealing windows, or medical improvisation.
Do not wait for a Winter Weather warning to start packing. Secure your essential gear today.
View Complete Gear Checklist →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Little Rock | 93.1 | Little Rock and Fort Smith share similar regional risks, but our data gives Fort Smith the edge in overall safety. |
| Fayetteville | 87.7 | When compared to Fayetteville, Fort Smith is statistically safer. The difference of 9.3 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Winter Weathers in Fort Smith?
With a risk score of 99.4 for Winter Weather, Fort Smith is considered highly vulnerable. Residents should have a specific plan for Winter Weather events, which are the primary driver of the city's overall risk profile.
Is Fort Smith safer than other cities in Arkansas?
It varies by hazard. While Fort Smith has its own risk profile (Total Score: 78.4), it is generally comparable to the average in Arkansas. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Fort Smith given the risk of Tornado?
Every city has risks. The threat of Tornado (Score: 94.3) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Fort Smith is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Fort Smith compare to other cities in Arkansas?
See the full Arkansas Disaster Rankings to see how Fort Smith stacks up against other cities in the state.