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some limestone and carrying it away in solution. Over time, this persistent erosion process has created extensive underground voids and drainage systems in much of the carbonate rocks throughout the state. Collapse of overlying sediments into the underground cavities produces sinkholes (Florida Geological Survey, 1998). Historic Events. The Florida Center for Instructional Technology (2008) has recorded six sinkholes in Indian River County. The first three sinkholes developed in 1981; two were located in Fellsmere and the other in Vero Beach. All three sinkholes are less than 10 feet in width. The forth and largest developed in 1985, in Fellsmere and ranges from 31-80 feet in width. The fifth and sixth developed in 2002 and 2005, in Vero Beach and both are less than 10 feet in width. The Florida Center for Instructional Technology database does not document any sinkholes in Indian River Shores, Orchid, or Sebastian. (Maps, Etc., 2014) Vulnerability Assessment. There are areas in western Indian River County where canal bank failures could cause or exacerbate flooding during heavy rain events or storms. This problem is, however, more related to soil erosion than to actual levee failure. There has never been any seismic activity, soil failures, and few sinkholes in Indian River County. While these hazards may exist, County vulnerability to them at this time is considered very low. Seismic events can have the following potential impacts within a community: • Electric power outage; • Surface and air transportation disruption; • Potable water system loss or disruption; • Sewer system outage; • Telecommunications system outage; • Human health and safety; • Psychological hardship; • Economic disruption; • Disruption of community services; • Damage to identified historical resources; • Fire; • Toxic releases; and Indian River County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan Basic Page 56