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Extent. In the United States, there are an estimated 25 <br /> million lightning flashes each year. In an average year, Florida <br /> sees around 1.4 million of these lightning strikes. This makes <br /> Florida the "Lightning Capital of the United States." Lightning <br /> occurs with every thunderstorm and, on average, Florida sees <br /> around 70-100 days a year with at least one thunderstorm in <br /> the state. Because of Florida's vulnerability to thunderstorms <br /> and lightning, lightning is one of the most deadly weather <br /> hazards in the Sunshine State. This statistic makes Indian <br /> River County more vulnerable and having a higher probability <br /> to lightning having an impact on our community. <br /> Risk Assessment. Vulnerability to severe thunderstorms and <br /> lightning is high in Indian River County, but many of the <br /> jurisdictions and population centers have only moderate <br /> vulnerabilities relative to these hazards. This variation in <br /> relative levels of vulnerability is again primarily due to <br /> construction practices and community characteristics. Working <br /> communities have a higher vulnerability to economic impacts <br /> by lightning than residential or retirement communities, all <br /> other factors being equal, while residential and retirement <br /> communities have a historically higher vulnerability in terms of <br /> lightning fatalities. <br /> At the time of publication, a risk assessment model for severe <br /> thunderstorms was not available. The County can expect <br /> losses similar to what it experienced in the past, which is about <br /> an average of$17,500 per year in property damage. The most <br /> vulnerable areas in Indian River County would be open areas <br /> such as the shoreline, golf courses, open fields (i.e., Vero <br /> Beach Regional Airport, Indian River Fairgrounds, sports <br /> arenas, etc.) This vulnerability is increased because these <br /> areas are where large populations congregate. There could <br /> also be a significant loss of life as well as economic impacts to <br /> transportation systems, tourism, etc. <br /> e. Wildfire — Hazard Identification <br /> Wildfire is defined by the Florida Forest Service (FFS) as any <br /> fire that does not meet management objectives or is out of <br /> control. Wildfires occur in Florida every year and are part of the <br /> natural cycle of Florida's fire-adapted ecosystems. Many of <br /> these fires are quickly suppressed before they can damage or <br /> destroy property, homes and lives. <br /> Indian River County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan Basic Page 31 <br />