Safety Information

Fort Smith is the 3rd largest city in the State of Arkansas. Since the COFS (City of Fort Smith) is a municipality, the COFS follows AOSH - (Arkansas Occupational Safety & Health which is a division of the State of Arkansas Department of Labor & Licensing) standards.

The COFS offers training throughout the year to its team members & strives not only to provide a safe working environment for its team members, but for our great citizens & visitors who utilize our services & property locations such as parks, sidewalks, etc. We encourage anyone who observes COFS team members acting in an unsafe and/or reckless manner to report it immediately to humanresources@fortsmithar.gov.

Here are some helpful reminders that will not only keep COFS team members safe, but our citizens and visitors as well.

Work Zone Safety

It's everyone's job!

When driving through work zones, slow down, stay alert, don't tailgate, and put the phone away. Remember, traffic fines double when workers are present. It is illegal to be on your cell while driving through a work zone (AR Code 27-51-1609).

Sanitary Sewer Overflow

Sanitary Sewer Overflows (man holes, etc.) are not sanitary and safe for children to play in. Just because there is clear water flowing from one Sanitary Sewer Overflow does not mean it is safe.

Call Before You Dig

According to the Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Act (AR Code 14-271-114) you must call 811 before you do any digging to have all underground utilities marked and you must call 2 days before you dig. Striking a buried line while digging can disrupt utility service & cost money to repair. This will keep you and your loved ones, friends and even pets safe from not only serious injury, but even death! Wait until all utilities are marked before you start digging. You can call 800-482-8998 or 811. You can also visit arkansas811.com for more information or submit an online ticket.

Turn Around Don’t Drown

According to the National Weather Service, each year more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm related hazard. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that over half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water. Did you know that only 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult? It only takes 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars and just 2 feet of rushing water can carry away SUV’s and trucks. It is never safe to drive or walk into flood waters.

Flashing Lights

If you see a COFS vehicle pulled over with their flashing lights activated, please move to the farthest lane possible. If not able to do so, please exercise due caution.