How to Prepare for a Natural Disaster During Pregnancy
Preparing for a natural disaster can be emotionally and physically taxing, but that stress level can easily double when you’re pregnant.
Fortunately, there are preparedness steps you can take now so that you and your loved ones will be safe in the event of a hurricane, flash flood or other emergency.
Here are suggestions of what to do for expectant parents from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
• Discuss your health care plan with your provider. Know where to go to receive prenatal care in the event your doctor’s office is closed.
• If you’re close to your due date, come up with a plan of where you’ll deliver your baby. Have a backup in place should the medical center be inaccessible, or if you need to evacuate to a shelter.
• If evacuating, tell the staff as soon as possible that you are pregnant and if you have any health problems.
• Continue to take prenatal vitamins and prescription medicines as directed.
• Schedule a prenatal or postpartum checkup as soon as it is safe to do so, even if it is not with your usual doctor. Let them know if you need help getting prenatal vitamins or prescription medications.
Parents-to-be should keep their physical strength up by drinking plenty of clean water and resting as often as possible.
To relieve emotional stress, reach out to a family member, friend or health care provider about your concerns and feelings.
Most importantly, stay informed by checking for updates from your emergency management agency, or by signing up for emergency alerts on your cell phone.
Find evacuation and shelter information in your local telephone book or on the Hawai‘i State Civil Defense website at DOD.Hawaii.gov/hiema/.
You can access additional resources about safety and disaster preparedness at HealthierHawaii.org.
“Stay informed by checking for updates from your emergency management agency, or by signing up for emergency alerts on your cell phone.”
