of precipitation, the amount of water stored in the soil, the type of crop, the stage of growth, and meteorological variables including temperature, humidity, and wind. Various secondary hazards are generally associated with drought, including rural grassland fires, soil erosion, dust storms, deterioration of water quality, as well as disease and infestation. Rural grassland fires increase because of dry vegetation. Reduction in vegetation cover then exposes soil to wind, thus producing dust storms and soil erosion. Reduction in the flow of rivers and lake water results in not only the changing of the chemical quality of the water but also in the sediment transport that occurs. Deterioration in water quality results in disease and possible death to plants and animals. Stagnant pools along river courses provide favorable habitats for insects, particularly mosquitoes and grasshoppers that can lead to crop infestation as well as disease among humans, animals, and plants. With the return of rain, dry and unstable topsoil is likely to cause flooding.

Risk Probability of drought is dependent upon numerous underlying factors. The probability of disasters occurring resulting from drought conditions is high, due to abundance of grassland, crops, and livestock in the county. Specific Risks        

Increased fire potential Increased public safety incidents Loss of potable water Human casualties or injuries due to exposure Wildlife and vegetation losses due to exposure Property damage due to livestock casualties and crop damage Business interruptions Loss of economic revenue due to crop and livestock losses and the loss of income for displaced farmers and ranchers due to drought conditions

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