Natural Disaster
Safety Information
For pregnant and postpartum people and families
Emergency Preparedness for Pregnant and Postpartum Individuals
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Create a plan with your healthcare provider for how you will access the care you need during an emergency situation.
Get your family involved in packing a “go bag” with the supplies you would need if you had to leave home quickly. Be sure to include food, water, and items for safe and comfortable sleep.
Know where to go if you need to leave your home. Identify nearby shelters in advance.
Sign up to receive emergency notifications from local authorities.
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Call your healthcare provider or 911 if you experience signs of labor.
Continue your prenatal care even if you have to evacuate. For example, make sure you pack your prenatal vitamins and a 7- to 10-day supply of any medications.
Keep copies of your medical records, identification, and insurance information with you.
Do your best to stay cool in extreme weather and protect yourself from any infections.
Know the urgent maternal warning signs. The CDC offers more information here.
Take care of your mental health. Try to reduce stress in healthy ways and ask for support if needed.
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Make sure your emergency kit includes the baby’s health records.
Pack safe sleep items, such as a portable crib or bassinet.
Bring any feeding and pumping supplies you may need. If you use formula, pack ready-to-feed formula in case clean water is not available.
Pay close attention to emergency notifications that may indicate a risk for the baby.
See a healthcare provider as soon as you are able if you have a health concern about the baby.
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Make sure your emergency kit has the necessary postpartum items.
If you’re due for a visit with your healthcare provider, schedule an appointment, even if it's not with your usual provider.
Take care of your body by drinking plenty of clean water and resting when you can.
Stay up to date on your vaccines.
Keep up with your baby’s checkups and vaccinations, even if you need to see a different provider than usual.
Talk to your doctor ahead of time about contraception options. Ask if you can get a method that lasts several months or request a multi-month supply.
Be aware of the maternal warning signs and signs of postpartum depression and reach out to a healthcare provider if necessary.
Hurricane Preparedness
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Building your emergency kit, including important documents.
Preparing for specific needs if you have a disability or care for a person with a disability.
Creating an evacuation plan.
Signing up for alerts from local officials.
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Flood water is dangerous.
Follow instructions of local officials.
Prepare in advance.
Wildfire Preparedness
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Having a go-bag packed with your medical records and at least a one-week supply of medications and/or prenatal vitamins.
Making an evacuation plan that includes how you will access prenatal or postpartum care if you need to leave home.
Signing up for local alerts and air quality notifications.
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Avoid going outdoors when the Air Quality Index (AQI) is above 100. Keep indoor air clean by closing windows and doors.
If you must go outside, wear a well-fitting N95 mask and stay out for as little time as possible.
Stay cool and hydrated.
Contact your healthcare provider if you have signs of labor or if you’re concerned about your breathing or health.
References:
Safety Messages for Pregnant, Postpartum, and Breastfeeding Women During Natural Disasters and Severe Weather. Accessed May 7, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/reproductive-health/emergency-preparation-response/safety-messages.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/features/disaster-planning-parents/index.html
Emergency Preparedness: Hurricanes, Floods and Pregnancy. Accessed May 7, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/pregnancy/during/emergency-preparedness.html#:~:text=Plan%20Ahead&text=If%20you%20are%20pregnant%2C%20talk,can't%20reach%20a%20hospital
Ready in your language. Ready in Your Language | Ready.gov. Accessed May 7, 2025. https://www.ready.gov/ready-your-language.
Content Last Updated: June 2025