This report summarizes preliminary findings of surveillance for deaths associated with the floods. Two deaths were excluded from further analyses because they involved motor-vehicle crashes not directly related to flooding. Waters from the dams inundated surrounding creeks, sweeping away many of the persons who died. W Zaleski, National Weather Svc, Peachtree City, Georgia. In the United States, floods cause an average of 146 deaths per year.
Victims are often unwilling to abandon their cars, trucks, or boats and can be trapped inside.
If vehicles are necessary to evacuate a community, particularly a mobile home community, safe evacuation routes should be identified in advance. In addition, deaths may be prevented by inspecting and requiring safety certification of dams located in flood-prone areas. The public health consequences of disasters. Federal Emergency Management Agency. A report to US Senate Committee on Appropriation.