Disaster Relief Guide for Parents: What to Pack, Where to Go & Who to Call

As a new or expecting parent, there’s so much on your plate—so if a natural disaster strikes, it’s normal to feel anxious and overwhelmed. Luckily, no matter what kind of emergency you may be experiencing, from wildfires to hurricanes and beyond, you can safeguard your family and find resources. With the help of experts, including an ob-gyn, a pediatrician and a CDC spokesperson, we created this disaster support guide to help you and your family navigate common natural disasters.

In this guide, you’ll find information on how to access shelter, free baby supplies and medical care during an emergency. You’ll also find resources and tips for maintaining your emotional, mental and physical health through even the toughest times. Remember that you’re not alone—here’s what to do. 

How to Navigate a Disaster If You’re Pregnant

If you’re near full term but not in labor yet

If you think you may need to evacuate when you’re close to full term (which is 38 to 40 weeks pregnant, so near term is about 36 to 38 weeks), the most important things are finding safe shelter and medical care and knowing what to bring with you for when that time comes. 

“Safety is the number one importance,” says Dr. Monica Smith, an ob-gyn at Lexington Medical Center in South Carolina. She recommends keeping a close eye on the news and planning ahead if you happen to go into labor. For example, in case of a possible hurricane, call your healthcare provider to see what hospitals and doctors might be available near where you’re evacuating. You may need to go to the closest hospital inland that delivers babies if your regular hospital isn’t accessible. 

You should also become familiar with the urgent maternal warning signs that could indicate a serious complication, such as a headache that won’t go away or extreme swelling in your hands and face. Contact your healthcare provider right away to tell them about your symptoms and ask for their recommendations.

If you do need to evacuate your home, be sure to bring your hospital bag and car seat in case you’re unable to return home before giving birth (don’t worry about baby basics like diapers, wipes, pacifiers and bodysuits—the hospital will provide those for you). If you have ample time, Dr. Smith advises to also grab “enough water for each member of the family, dry food (that does not require cooking) for three to four days, enough warm blankets and phone chargers.” There are a few more basics that are important to take with you in an evacuation, which we list out below in a handy emergency kit guide.

If there are early evacuation warnings, Dr. Smith recommends leaving sooner rather than later if you’re near term. Don’t wait until mandatory evacuations go into effect, so you avoid traveling in floodwater that can be contaminated or breathing in smoke from wildfires—leaving the area sooner reduces your potential exposure. By evacuating earlier, you also avoid traffic congestion and backups from others leaving at the same time. Consider staying with friends or family who are closer to a hospital or in a safer area, or staying at a shelter (more on how to find a shelter below).

If you go into labor during a disaster

If you go into labor during an event such as a wildfire, hurricane or other disaster, Dr. Smith says that you “should call 911 and wait for help to arrive. Never put your life at risk to get to the hospital if you go into labor.” She says you can also call your on-call physician for advice.

“Avoiding a home birth is of utmost importance, and waiting until the last minute [to go to a hospital] is not going to be ideal,” Dr. Smith says. Getting out of a wildfire or hurricane zone can be very time-sensitive, and it’s best not to wait. “Emergencies arise even in low-risk pregnancies, and being outside of the hospital when these occur can have detrimental results, which is why I recommend my patients deliver in a hospital.” But there is an exception, she says: in the case of disasters that "can cause death or injury when trying to get to a hospital, then home may be the safest place at that time.”

If you’re able to evacuate to a hospital, the minimum you should bring with you is your hospital bag and car seat. And Dr. Smith’s advice above about bringing water, dry food, blankets and phone chargers applies for when you’re evacuating during active labor, too—the hospital may be overwhelmed with patients during a disaster, so bringing some of your own survival supplies can help, if you have time to pack them.

While you wait for care, or if help doesn’t arrive in time and your baby is born at home, “make sure to have clean towels and blankets and call a neighbor for help if you are by yourself,” Dr. Smith says. And in a time of extreme stress like this, “it is most important to stay calm,” she says. “[People] who remain calm tend to have better pain management because they have less muscle tension and can relax.” She recommends deep breathing techniques that can help ensure you and baby “are getting enough oxygen, which can help manage pain and reduce anxiety.” She also suggests visualization (“Think about a calm place or picture the birthing process as a positive thing,” she says) to empower you to get through labor and distract you from the pain of labor and the emergency of the outside situation around you. 

How to Navigate a Disaster with a Baby

When you’re in the middle of a disaster, you may only have five or ten minutes to leave your home. Grab a few necessities and place them in a diaper bag, backpack, duffel bag or piece of luggage. 

If you’re extremely limited on time to pack your emergency bag, prioritize these items (three to four days’ worth, if you’re able):

• Clothes for you and baby

• Diapers and wipes

• Car seat

• Bottles and powdered or ready-to-use formula (even if you’re exclusively breastfeeding, just in case your breast milk supply is impacted)

• Drinking water

• Ready-to-eat food (such as protein bars, nuts, cereal, dried fruit and canned goods)

• Necessary medications

• ID cards

• Cell phone chargers and backup chargers (solar chargers are a good idea in case the power is out)

As far as clothing, “layered clothing is the best,” says Ethan Forhetz, VP of Public Engagement for Convoy of Hope, a humanitarian organization that provides disaster relief services and supplies for families. In volatile weather conditions, you can be prepared by having clothes to keep your baby warm or cool, depending on the environment. 

Breastfeeding and Formula Feeding During a Disaster

If you’re breastfeeding during a disaster, consider bringing a nursing cover in case you have to feed in a public space or shelter, breast pads for leakage and a water bottle to stay hydrated. If your ability to breastfeed is affected, you may be able to pump and/or bottle feed, but there may be limited access to electricity and clean water, so it can be a good idea to also bring pump and bottle cleaning wipes—just be sure to clean parts thoroughly.

If you’re worried about your breast milk supply while coping with a natural disaster, Dr. Colleen Kraft, general pediatrician at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, reminds you to focus on small choices that can help keep up your milk supply, such as staying hydrated and eating healthy foods. It’s important to remember that stress and cortisol levels can affect milk supply. Though it may be unavoidable in a disaster, “Stress has a negative impact on our bodies and our mental health,” Dr. Smith says. She says taking care of yourself is essential so you are better equipped to take care of your baby. 

If you’re formula feeding, bring at least one week’s supply of formula with you as well as appropriately sized bottles and nipples. Use bottled water to mix formula in emergencies since you may not have access to tap water or sterilization methods. Pre-mixed, ready-to-feed formula can also be a good idea in emergencies, since no additional water is needed. 

When prepping bottles during a disaster (and in normal times, too), be sure to wash your hands thoroughly—use hand sanitizer if clean water is unavailable. And always clean baby bottles and bottle parts with boiled, bottled or otherwise sterilized water and soap. 

Emergency Kit Checklist (If You Have Time in Advance)

Forhetz says that every family, including expectant parents, should prepare a week’s worth of necessities packed in an emergency kit ready to go at all times. If you need to leave in a hurry, you’ll have what you need until you can get more help. 

“I can’t stress enough how important it is to have your bags packed,” Forhetz says. “You don't want to be searching for items in the middle of a disaster or when time is short. If stores are closed, you won’t be able to run and get diapers.” 

Here’s what your emergency kit should include:

• Clothes and sleepwear for you and kids

• Diapers and wipes

• Bottles and powdered or ready-to-use formula (again, if you’re exclusively breastfeeding, your breast milk supply may be impacted in times of extreme stress)

• Breast pump

• Car seat

• Playard or travel crib

• Ready-to-eat food (such as protein bars, nuts, cereal, dried fruit and canned goods)

• Drinking water

• Medications

• Vitamins

• ID cards and passports

• Health insurance cards

• Medical records (documentation or info via app about specific medical conditions or allergies) 

• Cell phone chargers and backup chargers (especially solar chargers)

• Crank radio

• Flashlight

• First aid kit

• Hand sanitizer

• List of hospitals that deliver babies (if you’re pregnant)

• List of local shelters, aid organizations and churches

• Emergency contact list with phone numbers

In addition to an emergency kit, Forhetz strongly encourages parents to create an emergency family plan. He says your family should have a plan of action for any disaster, including designating an evacuation route from your home and a meeting point for the family if communication lines go down. Being prepared ahead of any disaster is the best way to get through an emergency as smoothly as possible and keep your family safe.

How to Find Shelter During a Disaster

Whether you’re pregnant or have a baby in tow, if you need to evacuate your home, the CDC recommends searching for open shelters near you through FEMA by texting the word Shelter with your Zip Code to 43362. For example, you might text ‘Shelter 90012.’ You can also find shelters through the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army.   

To stay current on your area's situation, Dr. Smith recommends following the guidelines of the National Weather Service, local news and your local FEMA office. If there are text alerts available, be sure to sign up so you don’t miss any updates.

How to Replace Your Baby Gear if It's Lost or Damaged 

If your home or property is damaged in a natural disaster, you may need to replace any lost or damaged baby items. And that can be hard if stores are closed or the power is out. Local disaster relief programs and charitable organizations can supply you with baby basics (like diapers, clothing, a car seat, a stroller and a crib) and food and water. 

Forhetz says to contact your local emergency management agency, shelters and churches in the area to find disaster relief services and supplies. You can often get free diapers, wipes, clothing, food, water and formula through these organizations. He recommends keeping a list of local aid organizations and churches for when the time comes. 

Supplies and help aren’t just available for right when the disaster hits—many organizations continue to offer aid for weeks and months after the initial incident. Nonprofits like Convoy of Hope and Baby2Baby often stay long-term in a disaster area to care for families in the aftermath, so it’s never too late to reach out to these organizations or your local donation center for support. 

How to Guide Your Family through Times of Stress and Uncertainty

After securing your family’s immediate safety, Dr. Kraft says the next step is to focus on creating healthy routines and focusing on the things you can control, since so much is out of your control. “Routines that happen within a family are really important and something that's very comforting to children,” Dr. Kraft says. Depending on your family, that might mean taking walks together, having your child help you cook or reading bedtime stories. If you have an infant, that means maintaining a nap and feeding schedule when possible. Keeping the days as consistent as you can communicates to your children that they’re safe and that things will be okay. 

Maintaining healthy routines is also important as a parent and increases your capacity to manage the crisis. Dr. Kraft encourages drinking clean water, eating as healthy as possible, exercising (even if it’s just taking a walk), talking with friends, and having a good sleep routine. She suggests staying off your phone and other screens one to two hours before sleep for two reasons: it helps your body prepare for sleep and “avoids some of the constant looking up of what’s going on in the news, what’s happening with the disaster, things that can fuel our anxiety as adults.” 

Beyond good routines, Dr. Kraft says it’s essential for kids to have healthy outlets for play and expressing their feelings. It can be as simple as having your child create art with sidewalk chalk or going to the park to move their body. She also suggests staying connected to family and friends as much as possible, whether in person or through video chat. 

During disasters, “frequent communication with your child is really something that will help normalize everything that's going on regardless of where you are. It’s really important to listen to your child’s fears and answer their questions honestly,” Dr. Kraft says. And that doesn’t mean you need to have all the answers. You can explain what’s happening at an age-appropriate level and reassure them that they’re safe. You might say, “We have to sleep somewhere else for a few nights, but we are safe, and I am going to stay with you the whole time. We will get through this together.”

If you have a newborn or baby, you can still communicate safety and love to them. “Babies can sense stress,” says Forhetz. He recommends “reassuring your baby with soothing words and familiar toys” and creating a baby-friendly space, no matter where you’re staying. 

Going through a disaster is an emotionally challenging and frightening experience, especially as a parent. “A disaster or tragedy often brings out strong emotions, such as anxiety, worry and anger, and people may want help in dealing with their feelings,” says Paul Prince, a CDC Spokesperson. If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or other challenging emotions, he recommends contacting the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline for free, confidential, 24/7 support for pregnant and postpartum families by calling 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262).

How to File a Claim with Your Insurance Company

Recouping the cost of property damage and getting help to restore your home is fundamental to your family's recovery from a disaster. Check to see what’s covered under your policy, as some natural disasters might not be included, such as floods.

Here are the steps to process an insurance claim during or after a disaster: 

1. Document the damage. When it’s safe, take detailed photos and videos of the damage to your home, vehicle and property, including any baby gear that may have been damaged. 

2. File a claim. Contact your insurance carriers, such as your home and auto insurance, to make a claim. The company will likely send an adjuster to assess the damage.

3. Prevent further damage. Your insurance company may require you to mitigate further property damage by boarding up broken windows or putting a tarp over your roof. Be sure to save your receipts for possible reimbursement. 

4. Get reimbursed. Your insurance company will reimburse you for the damages based on your policy, but it could take weeks or months, especially during large-scale disasters. You should follow up every few weeks to check the status of your claim.

How to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance

FEMA provides financial and direct assistance to families affected by disasters, supplementing what you receive through your insurance company. 

You can apply online, download the FEMA app, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or apply in person at a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center.

Here are some of the documents and information you’ll need to apply:

• Photos of your damaged home and property

• A list of damaged and lost items

• Insurance information

• Bank information

Once you apply, FEMA will verify the damage through a remote or in-person inspection. You’ll receive a letter with FEMA’s decision, which may include a request for more information or steps on how to appeal the decision. 

Navigating Potential Post-Disaster Effects, Keeping Baby’s Safety in Mind

Certain disasters, such as fires and floods, can pose additional health risks to you and your baby. Watch for symptoms that might warrant a closer look by a medical professional, including signs of possible exposure to smoke or contaminated waters, such as shortness of breath, dehydration, fever, chills, abdominal pain or tenderness and rashes. If you notice new symptoms in either you or your baby, talk with your healthcare provider or call 911. 

Even while the disaster is ongoing, if possible, the CDC recommends staying up to date on all recommended vaccines to protect yourself and your baby. Also if possible, try to keep up on the standard visits to your health care provider, such as your six-week postpartum visit and well-baby checkups, even if your regular doctor isn’t available. 

While it might be difficult or nerve-wracking, reaching out for support during a disaster is essential for the well-being of you and your family. Because whatever is happening around you, the safety and care of your family is what matters most.