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4. 1 . 7. 3 Vulnerability Assessment Extreme temperature events can have the following potential impacts within a community: Electric power outage ; • Human health and safety ; Psychological hardship ; Economic disruption ; Agricultural/fisheries damage ; and Damage to critical environmental resources ; Temperature extremes , both freezes and periods of excessive hea , impact communities with a larger population of older people to a greater extent than t lose with younger populations . According to the 2000 U . S . Census , 32 , 972 residents ( 9 % ) in Indian River County are over the age of 60 . Freezing conditions primarily affect agriculture and homeless indigents . When conditions are predicted to be below freezing , shelters are opened . A survey of the County' s homeless population was conducted in 2002 , indicating that there are approximately 457 homeless individuals within the County ( Florida Department of Children and Families , 2002 ) . Inland communities away from the moderating influence of the ocean or the estuary are more vulnerable to temperature extremes as are areas with significant agricultural assets . According to the FDCA, between 1979 and 1998 , there were 230 extreme temperature-related deaths in the state . This number is greater than the number of deaths caused by hurricanes and tornadoes combined . 4W Extreme temperatures , especially freezes , can have significant impacts on agricultural economics in a community . As stated earlier, nearly one- half ofland in Indian River County is currently designated as agricultural land . More than 60 , 000 acres in Indian River County are devoted to citrus production . In 1997 , the value of all farm lands and buildings in Indian River County was estimated to be $ 1 , 243 , 117 ( University of Florida , 2001 ) , 4. 1 . 7. 4 Risk Assessment At the time of publication , a risk assessment model for extreme ter 1peratures was not available . The County can expect losses similar to what it has experienCE d in the past. 4 . 1 . 8 Erosion 4. 1 . 8. 1 Soil Erosion Hazard Identification . Soil erosion is the deterioration of soil by the physical movement of soil particles from a given site . Wind , water , animals , and the use of tools by man may all be reasons for erosion . The two most powerful erosion agents are wind and water, but in most cases , these are damaging only after man , animals , insects , diseases , or fire have removed or depleted natural vegetation . Accelerated erosion caused by human activity is the most serious form of soil erosion , and can occur so rapidly that surface soil may sometimes be blown or washed away down to the bedrock . %W 4-43