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Temperature extremes, both freezes and periods of <br />excessive heat, impact communities with a larger population <br />of older people to a greater extent than those with younger <br />populations. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, 41,178 <br />residents (29%) in Indian River County are over the age of <br />65 (http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/12/12061.htmi). <br />Freezing conditions primarily affect agriculture and homeless <br />indigents. When conditions are predicted to be below <br />freezing, shelters are 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 <br />(http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/programs/homelessness/docs/201 <br />3Cou ncil Report. pdf). Inland communities away from the <br />moderating influence of the ocean or the estuary are more <br />vulnerable to temperature extremes as are areas with <br />significant agricultural assets. During 2006-2010, about <br />2,000 U.S. residents died each year from weather-related <br />causes of death. About 31 % of these deaths were attributed <br />to exposure to excessive natural heat, heat stroke, sun <br />stroke, or all; 63% were attributed to exposure to excessive <br />natural cold, hypothermia, or both; and the remaining 6% <br />were attributed to floods, storms, or lightning. <br />(,http://www,cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhsr/nhsr076,pdf). This <br />number is greater than the number of deaths caused by <br />hurricanes and tornadoes combined. <br />Extreme temperatures, especially freezes, can have <br />significant impacts on agricultural economics in a <br />community. In 2007, Indian River County's value of <br />agricultural products sold was $136 million <br />(http://www.freshfromflorida.com/Divisions- <br />Offices/Marketing-and-Development/Education/For- <br />Researchers/Florida-Agriculture-Overview-and-Statistics). In <br />2008, 136,896 acres were designated for agricultural use. <br />This represents over 51% of the unincorporated area of the <br />county. More than 60,000 acres in Indian River County are <br />devoted to citrus production. In 1997, the value of all farm <br />lands and buildings in Indian River County was estimated to <br />be $1,243,117 (University of Florida, 2001). <br />Risk Assessment. At the time of publication, a risk <br />assessment model for extreme temperatures was not <br />available. The County can expect losses similar to what it has <br />Indian River County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan Basic Page 41 <br />