Pregnancy Packing for Hurricane Season

Pregnancy Packing for Hurricane Season

Hurricane season can be stressful for us all, but especially if you are pregnant. To help reduce stress, it’s important to be prepared. By putting together a hurricane preparedness kit, you will help ensure the safety of yourself, your baby and your loved ones.

When preparing for an oncoming storm, be sure you have the necessary supplies. The American Red Cross suggests packing a kit with enough supplies to last at least 72 hours. They also suggest that kits should include:

  • Water: one gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation
  • Non-perishable food items: three-day food supply
  • Manual can opener
  • Personal care items: soap, toothpaste, clothes, etc.
  • Battery-powered or hand crank radio
  • Flashlights
  • Batteries: check equipment for battery requirements
  • First aid kit
  • Local maps: if evacuating prepare an alternate route as some roadways may be closed
  • Family emergency contact information
  • Insect repellent
  • Tools: supplies necessary to secure your home and/or create a shelter in place
  • Plastic bags: large and small bags for water-proofing important documents and supplies
  • Extra cash

As a pregnant woman, you will need to be sure to pack a few extra things to meet the needs of your body and growing baby. These items include:

  • Simple, nutritious foods: protein bars, dried fruit and granola are great options
  • Extra bottled water
  • Maternity and baby clothes
  • Medications: prenatal vitamins and any other medications currently taking
  • Emergency birth supplies: clean towels, sharp scissors, infant bulb syringe, medical gloves, sheets and sanitary pads
  • Extra blankets
  • Closed-toe shoes

Your emergency kit should be stored in one or two easy to carry containers such as a backpack, storage box or storage bag. Be mindful of the weight of your kits and do not carry items in excess of 25 pounds.

Making an emergency plan is another part of being prepared. For more information, click here.

As a storm approaches and preparing becomes more immediate, it can often cause additional stress. Remember to take necessary measures to reduce stress and prevent preterm labor.