A Drought is a period of dry weather, especially a long one that is injurious to crops

There is not a universal temperature or lack of precipitation of drought, simply because what might be considered drought in Ohio wouldn’t necessarily be called drought in New Mexico. This is because Ohio normally receives a good amount of precipitation, while it is not uncommon for New Mexico to be dry. Before someone can say there is a drought somewhere, the normal precipitation rates should be considered.

There are four different types of drought. They are meteorological, agricultural, hydrological, and socioeconomic.

Meteorological- Meteorological drought type is caused from the departure of rain and other usual precipitation for a certain geographical area.

Agricultural- Agricultural drought happens when the amount of moisture in the soil does not meet the needs of a regional crop or plant.

Hydrological- Hydrological drought happens when surface and subsurface water supplies are below the normal amount of water.

Socioeconomic- Socioeconomic drought happens when a physical water shortage affects the public.

Its important to learn how to be safe during a period of drought or when the temperature has become dangerously high. Below are some safety tips to help you stay safe.

·Reduce strenuous activity
·Drink plenty of water
·Do not drink alcoholic beverages
·Do not take salt tablets, unless directed by a doctor
·Do not get too much sun
·Spend more time inside, especially in air-conditioned places
·Eat easily digested and light foods
·Wear lightweight, light colored, loose clothing
·Reduce outside activity to cooler times of the day
·Splash yourself with cool water and bathe often

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/drought.htm
http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/drought/livedrought.shtml