Snowstorms in the East, Wildfires in the West: Are Emergency Preparedness Measures Efficient Enough to Support Maternal Health During Weather Extremes

Exploring the impact of extreme weather—snowstorms in the East and wildfires in the West—on maternal health and emergency preparedness, by Rachell M. Dumas, RN, BSN, MSN(c).

As weather extremes become more frequent, their devastating effects are felt across communities, exacerbating existing public health crises. Among those most vulnerable are expectant mothers, who often face heightened risks during disasters due to a fragmented healthcare system and insufficient emergency preparedness measures. From snowstorms in the East to wildfires in the West, the pressing question remains:

Are our emergency response systems efficient enough to protect maternal health during such crises?

The Impact of Weather Extremes on Maternal Health

Weather extremes, such as snowstorms, wildfires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, create significant barriers to accessing maternal care:

• Transportation Challenges: Blocked roads and unsafe travel conditions delay or prevent access to prenatal and emergency care.

• Healthcare Facility Disruptions: Power outages, damaged infrastructure, and evacuations often leave hospitals and clinics unable to provide essential maternal services.

• Increased Stress and Mental Health Risks: Displacement, loss of property, and uncertain access to care exacerbate conditions such as perinatal anxiety and postpartum depression.

The United States already faces a maternal health crisis, with a maternal mortality rate of 23.8 deaths per 100,000 live births, the highest among developed nations (CDC, 2022). For Black women, the statistics are even more alarming, as they are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women (CDC, 2022). When natural disasters strike, these disparities become even more pronounced.

My Personal Connection

I know firsthand the devastation that weather extremes can bring. I’ve been displaced twice due to natural disasters, first by a tornado in New Orleans in 2002, and again during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Losing everything not only takes a toll on your physical surroundings but also deeply affects your mental health and sense of security. For pregnant individuals and new mothers, these challenges are magnified, with lives often hanging in the balance.

These personal experiences fuel my commitment to addressing the gaps in emergency preparedness for maternal health.

The Gaps in Emergency Preparedness for Maternal Health

Despite the increasing frequency of extreme weather, many emergency response systems fail to adequately account for maternal health. Key shortcomings include:

1. Lack of Maternal-Specific Protocols: Emergency plans often overlook the need for OB/GYN expertise and maternal health resources.

2. Inadequate Sheltering Options: Shelters may lack prenatal supplies, breastfeeding support, or safe spaces for newborns.

3. Limited Communication: Pregnant individuals often lack timely updates on evacuation routes and access to healthcare during disasters.

Steps to Improve Maternal Health Preparedness

1. Develop Maternal-Focused Emergency Plans

• Include OB/GYNs and maternal health advocates in disaster planning.

• Stock shelters with prenatal vitamins, diapers, and breastfeeding supplies.

2. Strengthen Local Healthcare Systems

• Expand telehealth services for prenatal and postpartum care during disasters.

• Use mobile health units to bring care directly to affected areas.

3. Prioritize Mental Health Support

• Provide on-site counselors at shelters for displaced mothers.

• Share mental health resources, such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): www.nami.org | 1-800-950-NAMI.

4. Advocate for Policy Change

• Push for disaster-specific funding that includes maternal health needs.

• Ensure equitable access to care, particularly for underserved and marginalized communities.

How A Light After Nine Is Making a Difference

At A Light After Nine, our mission is to support families navigating infertility, pregnancy loss, and maternal trauma. Inspired by my personal experiences, our nonprofit offers resources, advocacy, and community programs to address maternal health needs, particularly during crises.

We assist communities and organizations by:

• Delivering care baskets with essential maternal items, such as diapers, blankets, and breastfeeding supplies.

• Offering webinars and educational materials to prepare families and healthcare providers for emergencies.

• Advocating for policies that prioritize maternal health in emergency response plans.

Community Resources for Maternal Health During Weather Extremes

Here are organizations actively supporting maternal health during disasters:

1. California Fire Foundation

2. Direct Relief

3. American Red Cross – Los Angeles Region

4. Baby2Baby

5. World Central Kitchen

6. A Light After Nine

A Call to Action

We cannot afford to overlook maternal health during weather extremes. Policymakers, healthcare organizations, and community leaders must work together to ensure emergency preparedness plans address the unique needs of expectant mothers and new families.

To learn how A Light After Nine can partner with your community or organization, visit www.alightafternine.org or contact us directly at info@alightafternine.org. Together, we can ensure no mother is left behind during a crisis.

How is your community addressing maternal health during weather extremes? Share your thoughts and solutions in the comments below!

References:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022). Maternal Mortality Rates in the United States.

• National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). The Impact of Climate Change on Maternal Health.