Disaster preparedness: what do we do now?

Disasters are events that exceed the capacity of the people affected to recover from the adverse affects. Understanding types of disasters and components of disaster responses provides a basis for developing disaster preparedness plans. Disaster preparedness is a process for assessing risks and capacities for responding when disasters occur. Planning can mitigate damages and facilitate rapid and effective disaster response services. Health care workers, including midwives and women's health care providers, can access resources to be prepared as competent responders in disaster contexts to meet the needs of women and their communities.