Disaster preparedness

Disaster preparedness for pregnant people and families with infants

Disasters can occur suddenly and pose serious health risks, especially for pregnant people and those caring for infants. Being prepared can help protect you and your loved ones during these events.

Make a plan

  • Understand your community’s disaster risks and evacuation routes. Stay informed about local warning systems and shelters.

  • Develop a household emergency plan with all family members, including a designated meeting spot in case of separation.

  • If you are pregnant, identify alternative birthing locations in case your hospital or birthing center becomes inaccessible. Discuss these options with your healthcare provider, particularly as your due date approaches.

Plan your emergency supplies

For pregnant people:

  • Nutrient-dense snacks like protein bars, nuts, and dried fruits

  • Prenatal vitamins, essential medications, and extra water

  • Emergency birthing supplies (e.g., clean towels, sterile gloves, scissors, sanitary pads, twine/shoelace)

  • Comfortable maternity clothing and sturdy, closed-toe shoes

For infants:

  • Ready-to-feed infant formula in single-use containers (recommended for emergencies when clean water may not be available)

  • Diapers, wipes, rash cream, and extra clothing

  • Portable crib, baby carrier, or sling (preferable to strollers in debris-filled areas)

  • Baby food, disposable feeding utensils, and baby blankets

Know the warning signs of preterm labor:

Preterm labor—which is labor that begins before 37 weeks of pregnancy—may occur in some pregnant women after a disaster. If you have any signs of preterm labor, call your healthcare provider, go to the hospital, or tell the person in charge of the emergency shelter right away.

Be aware of symptoms such as:

  • Contractions that make your belly tighten up like a fist

  • Low, dull backache

  • Vaginal bleeding or a change in discharge color

  • Pelvic pressure or abdominal cramping

If you experience these signs, seek medical attention immediately.

Feeding infants during emergencies

  • Breastfeeding: Breast milk remains the safest and most readily available food for infants, even during emergencies. If you are feeding your baby pumped breast milk, you can express your milk by hand and feed it to your baby in a clean cup.

  • Formula feeding: Use ready-to-feed formula to minimize the need for clean water and refrigeration. Feed your baby using disposable cups when bottles and nipples cannot be cleaned properly.

Rest and recovery

Being pregnant during a disaster can be physically and emotionally taxing. Rest as much as possible, drink clean water, and eat small, frequent meals. Once safe, prioritize prenatal care and seek medical attention if needed.

In a Flood:

Know your Flood Risk

  • Understand your location's flood risk and plan for evacuation routes and transportation to higher ground.

  • Monitor weather updates and local alerts.

During and after a flood:

  • Focus on staying hydrated and get plenty of rest to avoid overexertion.

  • Avoid floodwater: Do not walk, swim, or drive through floodwater, as it can contain contaminants and pose a safety risk. If you do touch the water, use soap and clean water to wash the parts of your body that came in contact with the water. Do not swallow any of the floodwater.

  • Protect yourself against mosquitoes: Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered insect repellent and wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to minimize mosquito bites.

  • If your home, work, or school has been affected by floods, it is possible that mold may be present, learn more about mold exposure after natural disasters.

  • To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, do not use generators, kerosene heaters, grills, or camp stoves indoors.

In a Wildfire:

During and after a wildfire:

  • Monitor air quality: Poor air quality from wildfire smoke can harm pregnant people and infants. Use resources like AirNow.gov to check local conditions.

  • Stay indoors: Keep windows and doors closed, and use air purifiers to reduce indoor smoke exposure. Avoid outdoor activities, especially strenuous ones.

  • Evacuate safely: If ordered to evacuate, bring your emergency kit and inform shelter staff that you are pregnant or caring for an infant.
     

Risks of wildfire smoke exposure:

  • Exposure to wildfire smoke, which contains fine particles and harmful gases, can increase the risk of complications like preterm birth, low birth weight, and gestational hypertension.

  • Protect yourself by avoiding smoke exposure as much as possible. Use a properly fitted N95 mask if outdoor exposure is unavoidable.

For more information:

Wildfire Smoke and Pregnancy | Wildfires | CDC 
Wildfire Smoke and Pregnancy | US EPA 
Plan Ahead for Disasters | Ready.gov

Emergency Preparedness: Hurricanes, Floods and Pregnancy | Pregnancy | CDC 
Floods and Your Safety | Floods | CDC

Safety Messages for Pregnant, Postpartum, and Breastfeeding Women During Natural Disasters and Severe Weather | Reproductive Health | CDC

For information about your pregnancy health: www.marchofdimes.org