How to prepare for a hurricane evacuation if you’re pregnant

Evacuation is recommended for pregnant women and women with newborns.

• Create an evacuation checklist including:

  • A copy of your prenatal records

  • Two weeks worth of medications

  • Phone numbers for local obstetricians and midwives in the event you cannot reach your provider during evacuation.

  • Your birth bag

  • Your breast pump if breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed
    

• Know your evacuation location.
  

• Make sure your OB provider has a current number for you and if you know where you are evacuating share your evacuation emergency contact with your provider.
  

• If you seek shelter notify the shelter of your pregnancy.
  

• Know the signs of labor and preterm labor. Signs and symptoms of preterm labor infographic | March of Dimes

• Create a hurricane food kit for your entire family

  • Including clean water and high protein snacks. Staying well hydrated is important in pregnancy.

  • If breastfeeding you can feed you baby safely with breastmilk during an evacuation. Consider using a battery operated breast pump if necessary to maintain your milk supply.

  • Bring at least 3 days of prewashed bottles and enough formula to feed your baby.

  • If you have breastmilk stored in the freezer and it has thawed use it within 24 hours. If breastmilk is expressed and store in a refrigerator it is good for 4 days.