Preparing For a Hurricane While Pregnant or With Small Children

Hurricanes can cause catastrophic damage to coastlines and several hundred miles inland. Hurricane can produce winds exceeding 155 miles per hour as well as tornadoes. Additionally, hurricanes can create storm surges along the coast and cause massive damage from heavy rainfall. Flash flooding can occur due to intense rainfall. Be Prepared: Hurricane Season is June 1 st – November 30 th

Pregnant women and families with small children need to take additional precautions during hurricane season. Create a family communication plan! Make sure everyone in your immediate family knows what your plan is. Be Prepared: Family Communication Plan Family Communication Plan – Fill in this information and keep a copy in a safe place. Keep it up to date! Family Communication Plan for Kids Family Communication Plan for Kids - A communication guide tailored for children. Let’s Get Ready! Let’s Get Ready! – Sesame Workshop that provides tips, activities, and other easy tools to help the whole family prepare for emergencies – together! Be a Hero Be a Hero – Kids can help make a plan, build a kit, and get involved with planning.

If you are pregnant during hurricane season, it’s very important to realize that you may deliver at an alternate hospital or birthing facility. Think about where you would deliver at in the event of road closures or in the event that you are instructed to evacuate, especially if you’re close to your delivery date. Be Prepared: Preparing for a hurricane while pregnant: Have a copy of your most up-to-date prenatal records. Keep a copy of your immunizations, and the immunization records of your children with you. Have the names and numbers of physicians or hospitals at your planned evacuation location.

During a hurricane: If you are pregnant and think you are in labor, go to the nearest hospital. Keep important documents with you, including a copy of your most recent up-to-date prenatal records and immunization records. If you seek help at a shelter, immediately notify them of your pregnancy and get information about the location of hospitals in the area. Bring with you any medications, including prenatal vitamins and prescriptions – enough to last about two weeks in case you choose or have to relocate during a storm. Learn community hurricane evacuation routes and how to find higher ground. Determine where you would go and how you would get there if you needed to evacuate. Be Prepared:

During and after a hurricane, you may need supplies to keep your family safe and healthy. Remember that a hurricane could cut off your power and water supply. You also may not be able to drive because of damage to your car. Roads may be flooded or blocked. Be Prepared: Personal Care Products Hand sanitizer Wet cleaning cloths (like baby wipes) in case you don’t have clean water Soap Toothpaste Tampons and pads Diapers Make sure your supplies are stored together in a place that’s easy to reach.

If a hurricane is likely in your area: Listen to the radio or TV for information. Secure your home, close storm shutters and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors. Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed. Turn off propane tanks Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies. Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purpose such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other larger containers with water. Find out how to keep food safe during and after and emergency. During a Hurricane: You should evacuate under the following conditions: If you are directed by local authorities to do so. Be sure to follow their instructions. If you live in a mobile home or temporary structure – such shelter are particularly hazardous during hurricane no matter how well fastened to the ground. If you live in a high-rise building – hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations. If you live on the coast, on a floodplain, near a river, or on an island waterway.

In an emergency: There may not be clean drinking water. It may be impossible to ensure sterilization of feeding utensils. The safest food for an infant is breastmilk. It is readily available. It protects against infections diseases, especially diarrhea and respiratory illnesses. Infant Nutrition During a Disaster Disadvantages of formula use during a disaster: It may not be available. It may be contaminated. There may not be a method to sterilize the bottles or nipples

Make a Plan American Academy of Pediatrics Flyer Make a Kit Managing Water Information for Pet Owners FEMA’s Guide to Preparing for a Hurricane For More Information: