AG 2002 08 19 (Regular) - Laserfiche WebLink

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2. Because of the rare occurrence of such an event, cabarrus County and its mun/cipalities are not completely equipped to handle the demands on public services caused by such events. The county does not provide road clearance in any portion of the county, as this is done by the NC Department of Transportation and the local murdcipalities. The priority is to clear the main highways and those areas needed for public safety. H. Wildfires 1. Wildfires occur in North Carolina during the dry spring and summer months of the year. The potential for wildfires depends upon recent climate conditions, surface fuel characteristics, and fire behavior. Wildfires can destroy precious natural resources and forestry essential to the survival of wildlife. 2. Increased development in Cabarrus County in recent years has increased the potential impact of wildfires as structures that locate near vulnerable woodlands become vulnerable themselves. Because wind fuels wildfires, structures in close proximity to potential wildfire fuels are at risk of damage as wind direction and velocity change. According to data provided by the North Carolina Forest Service, the frequency of wildfires in Cabarrus County is relatively moderate. Since 1992 there have been 431 wildfire incidents resulting in a total of 347 acres burned in Cabarrus County. I. Earthquakes. These are geological events that involve movement or shaking of the crust of the earth. Earthquakes are measured in terms of their magnitude and intensity. Earthquakes can cause devaStating destruction to the man-made environment. Earthquakes are relatively infrequent but not uncommon in North Carolina. From 1568 to 1992, 157 earthquakes have occurred in North Carolina. North Carolina's vulnerability to earthquakes decreases from west to east in relation to the Eastern Tennessee Seismic Zone. Cabarrus County lays on the far eastern edge of the most active region in the state. Cabarrus County has experienced very minor tremors on several occasions, but none could be rated as an earthquake. ~ J. Landslides. Landslides often occur with other natural hazards such as earthquakes and floods. Landslides are not a serious risk in Cabarrus County due to the relatively low height of the hills in the county. Limited areas of steep slopes associated with the banks of major watercourses in'the county could collapse under heavy rainfall to produce a localized landslide. The potential of damage to lives or property from this type of natural hazard is low. K. Soil Subsidence. This is a localized problem within the eastern area of the County. This area is the site of numerous abandoned sub-surface mines that date back to the gold-mining operations in Cabarrus County during the first half of the 19th Century. As the structures supporting the original mine shafts give way, these shafts collapse, occasionally causing "sink holes" to appear. As more development occurs in this area of the County, the likelihood of damage to structures from this hazard increases. L. Drought and Extreme Summer Weather. Cabarrus County has experienced severe hot weather and periods of drought. While potentially dangerous, severe hot weather is not a serious · hazard in the county. Hot weather occurs from mid-July to late September. Drought conditions are also a hazard in the county, chiefly to farms and other agricultural operations. While periods Draft Annex A v.3.1 A-4 1 July 2002