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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 />