Local mitigation strategy (LMS) - Volusia County Government

SECTION 5: HAZARD PROFILESFigure 5.9: Palmer Drought Severity Index Summary Map for the United StatesSource: National Drought Mitigation Center5.9.3 Historical OccurrencesSecondary research was conducted to determine the historical drought occurrences in Volusia County. Itwas determined that general drought conditions were present throughout Florida in 1981, 1985, 1998-1999, and 2001. Volusia County is part of the St. Johns River Water Management District, whichmonitors well levels throughout its jurisdiction. The Keetch Bryam Drought Index is a numerical scale (0-800) that measures the amount of moisture in the soil. A zero indicates wet, full saturation conditionswhile an 800 represents extreme drought conditions. It is often used to assess the danger of wildfiresbut is also an indication of drought. Therefore, it is reported where information is available. Thefollowing highlight some of the events from the aforementioned years.1981: Drought conditions were reported throughout Southern Florida. Three firefighters narrowlyescaped injury while fighting a drought-related wildfire. Officials from St. Johns River WaterManagement District ordered a mandatory 15 percent reduction in water use for public water supply,industrial, commercial and self-supplied users 10 .1985: A short, six-month drought was reported in Volusia County. In addition to sparking wildfires, it ledto a water warning calling for voluntary water usage restrictions 11 . On June 20, 1985, the water warning10 “Winds, Dry Weather Worsen Central Florida Fires. Ocala Star-Banner. Associated Press. July 1, 1981.11 “Fires Still Rage in Volusia County.” Evening Independent. Associated Press.Volusia County Multi-jurisdictional Local Mitigation StrategyFebruary 20105:45