Preparing for Disaster: Special Information for Mobile and Baldwin County Pregnant Women and Families with Newborns 

When disaster strikes, if you’re not able to evacuate, make sure you and your family have a plan in place to ensure your safety.  A well thought out plan can make all the difference.  If you are pregnant or have just had your baby, it is important to speak with your doctor about what to do during an emergency or disaster.  This site contains information to keep your unborn and newborn safe.

• Develop an emergency plan for your family.
• Seek your doctor’s advice in developing your plan if you are late in pregnancy or have any complications.
• Plan to stay with family, friends, or a motel in a safe location further inland.
• If you have no other place to go, talk with your doctor about recommended safe places.
• Make a list of emergency health information for you and your family, and get a copy of your prenatal records and your child’s shot record after each doctor visit.
• Tell your doctor and someone outside of the storm area where you and your family will be during a disaster.
• Be familiar with your insurance company’s regulations regarding prior authorization or prior approval, etc.

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	Preparing for Disaster Special Information for Mobile and Baldwin County Pregnant Women and Families with Newborns
	Infant Nutrition During a Disaster: Breastfeeding and Other Options

Emergency Risk Classification System for Physicians

The Emergency Risk Classification System has been developed in order for obstetricians to give their patients the best information available regarding where to go in case of a hurricane or other disaster.  Go to the Emergency Risk Classification System for Physicians page to learn more and to download a print-version of the information.

Further Information:

• What is the Purpose of an OB/Newborn Shelter?
• What to Take
• Transportation
• Location of OB/Newborn Shelter
• Shelter Specifics
• Important Note
• Numbers to Know

What is the Purpose of an OB/Newborn Shelter?

OB/Newborn shelters provide a safe environment with supportive medical care.  If you are more than 35 weeks pregnant, have a High Risk pregnancy, or have recently delivered, speak with your doctor to find out if you need to go to an OB/Newborn shelter in a disaster.  Stay tuned to local radio and TV stations for information about OB/Newborn shelters.

An OB/Newborn shelter should only be used as a “last resort."

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What to Take

• Food (mother’s milk is the best food for a baby at this time), newborn formula, bottled water, and clothing for 72 hours
• Cash and credit cards
• Your bag for labor
• Diapers (estimate 10 per day), pacifiers, baby bottles, breast pump and supplies, baby carrier or bassinette, baby clothes, and other infant care items
• Hand sanitizer
• A rectal thermometer and lubricant
• Bedding material for cots (i.e. pillow, blanket, sheets)
• All medications, including non-aspirin liquid pain reliever and medical supplies
• Contact lists for relatives and doctors
• A copy of your prenatal records, your child’s shot records, and your insurance card(s)
• Your Disaster Preparedness Kit
• Your caregiver

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Transportation

If you do not have transportation, tune to local radio and TV stations for information on getting to the shelter.  Or, call 460-8000 in Mobile County or 990-4605 in Baldwin County for further instructions.

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Location of OB/Newborn Shelters

For updated information on shelters opening in your area and other important public service announcements, tune in to local AM/FM radio stations and TV stations or visit the Alabama Department of Public Health homepage.

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Shelter Specifics

If you choose to go to a shelter, you should be aware that the following are prohibited:

• Smoking
• Weapons
• Alcohol
• Illicit Drugs

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Important Note

An OB/Newborn shelter is not a substitute for hospital care and should only be considered a last resort.

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Numbers to Know

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