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months, combined with low humidity and high wind have the <br /> highest number of fires reported. <br /> Extent/Probability. The average occurrence in Indian River <br /> County is 25 wildfires per year with an average of 24 acres per <br /> incident. <br /> f. Extreme Temperatures (Freezing) - Hazard Identification <br /> A freeze is defined by the National Weather Service (NWS)as <br /> when the surface air temperature is expected to be 32 degrees <br /> or below over a widespread area for a climatologically <br /> significant period of time. The NWS issues a freeze warning <br /> when surface temperatures are expected to drop below <br /> freezing over a large area for an extended period of time, <br /> regardless of whether or not frost develops. <br /> Hazard Identification. According to the U.S. Department of <br /> Agriculture and Consumer Services, a moderate freeze <br /> (Defined as 25°F to 28°F) may be expected every 1 to 2 years. <br /> Severe freezes (Defined as 24°F and below)may be expected <br /> on an average of once every 15 to 20 years. Freezes pose a <br /> major hazard to the agriculture industry in Indian River County <br /> on a recurring basis, and are a significant threat to the <br /> economic vitality of the State's vital agriculture industry. <br /> Agricultural lands represent nearly one-half of all land in Indian <br /> River County (University of Florida, 2001). <br /> According to the 2010 U.S. Census, 37,504 residents (27%)in <br /> Indian River County are over the age of 65. Freezing <br /> conditions primarily affect agriculture and homeless indigents. <br /> When conditions are predicted to be below freezing, cold <br /> weather shelters may be opened. A survey of the County's <br /> homeless population was conducted in 2013, indicating that <br /> there are approximately 837 homeless individuals within the <br /> County (Florida Department of Children and Families, 2013). <br /> Inland communities away from the moderating influence of the <br /> ocean or the estuary are more vulnerable to temperature <br /> extremes as are areas with significant agricultural assets. <br /> (Council on Homelessness - Florida Department of Children <br /> and Families, 2013) <br /> Historic Events. Indian River County has experienced four <br /> significant freezes between 1970 and the present. Florida has <br /> experienced a number of severe or disastrous freezes, when <br /> Indian River County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan Basic Page 37 <br />