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extremes as are areas with significant agricultural assets. <br />During 2006-2010, about 2,000 U.S. residents died each <br />year from weather-related causes of death. About 31 % of <br />these deaths were attributed to exposure to excessive <br />natural heat, heat stroke, sun stroke, or all; 63% were <br />attributed to exposure to excessive natural cold, <br />hypothermia, or both; and the remaining 6% were attributed <br />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 2012, Indian River County's value of <br />agricultural products sold was $142 million <br />(http://www.freshfromflorida.com/Divisions- <br />Offices/Marketing-and-Develop ment/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 />experienced in the past. <br />h. Erosion (Soil) — Hazard Identification. Soil erosion is the <br />deterioration of soil by the physical movement of soil particles <br />from a given site. Wind, water, animals, and the use of tools <br />by man may all be reasons for erosion. The two most powerful <br />erosion agents are wind and water, but in most cases, these <br />are damaging only after man, animals, insects, diseases, or <br />fire have removed or depleted natural vegetation. Accelerated <br />erosion caused by human activity is the most serious form of <br />soil erosion, and can occur so rapidly that surface soil may <br />sometimes be blown or washed away down to the bedrock. <br />Undisturbed by man, soil is usually covered by shrubs and <br />trees, dead and decaying leaves, or a thick mat of grass. <br />Indian River County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan Basic Page 45 <br />