Earthquakes can happen almost anywhere and without warning. Preparing for an earthquake and knowing what to do if one happens is important, especially if you are pregnant or are caring for an infant.
Before an earthquake
- Identify a meet-up spot for family members in case you are separated and cannot get home after an earthquake.
- Learn about safety and evacuation procedures for your child’s school or day care.
- Take emergency training on first aid or CPR. Check with your local American Red Cross chapter for training classes.
- If you are pregnant, know the location of other places to have your baby in case you cannot get to the hospital or birthing center of your choice.
- If you are close to your due date, talk to your health care provider about what to do in case of an emergency.
- Secure large appliances and heavy pieces of furniture to the wall.
Gather your emergency supplies
Put together an emergency kit for your family, including supplies such as flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, food and water.
If you are pregnant, your kit should also have:
- nutritious foods, such as protein bars, nuts, dried fruit and granola
- maternity and baby clothes
- prenatal vitamins and other medications
- extra bottled water
- emergency birth supplies, such as clean towels, sharp scissors, infant bulb syringe, medical gloves, two white shoelaces, sheets and sanitary pads
- two blankets
- closed-toe shoes
If you have an infant, your kit should also have:
- a thermometer
- copies of vaccination records
- antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizer
- dish soap
- a portable crib
- baby food in pouches or jars and disposable feeding spoons
- two baby blankets
- extra baby clothes and shoes for older infant
- baby sling or carrier
- diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream
- medications and infant pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- small disposable cups
- ready-to-feed formula in single serving cans or bottles*
*For use if medically necessary
During and after an earthquake
When an earthquake happens, the U.S. Geological Survey says it is best to duck, cover and hold on. When an earthquake starts, find a sturdy piece of furniture, such as a strong table or desk, crawl underneath it and hold on to its legs until the shaking stops. Hold your children close to you. If you are outside, move to a clear area away from trees, signs, buildings, electrical wires and poles. Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops.
Aftershocks are common after an earthquake. React to aftershocks the same way you would react to an earthquake: Duck, cover and hold on. If you evacuate, remember to take your emergency kit with all your medicines, medical documents and emergency supplies for your family. When you get to a shelter, make sure officials there know that you are pregnant or have an infant with you.
Strollers may not be of use when there is debris on the ground, so a baby carrier or sling is essential for getting around.
Breastfeeding is the best food for your baby. Breast milk is naturally clean, helps protect your infant from illnesses and can provide comfort to both you and your baby. If you are a mom who relies on pumped milk, make sure you know how to express your milk by hand and how to feed your baby with a cup. Breast pumps cannot be cleaned without clean water and milk cannot be stored without refrigeration.
Breastfeeding mothers can continue to make milk during stressful events such as disasters. It is important that nursing mothers get extra food and fluids, but even moms who have gone without food can breastfeed. Keeping your baby warm and close will provide extra protection for your baby.
If it is medically necessary to feed your baby infant formula during a disaster, ready-to-feed formula is recommended. Clean water may not be available for mixing with powdered formula or for cleaning bottles and nipples. Feeding your baby with a small disposable cup is preferable. Even tiny babies can use a cup. Unused formula cannot be refrigerated during a power outage, so small containers of formula work best.
Being pregnant during and after an earthquake can be a stressful time and hard on your body. Rest as much as you can, drink plenty of clean water and eat several times during the day. It is important to go for your regular prenatal care visits as soon as you are out of immediate danger. If you cannot reach your regular health care provider, ask at the emergency shelter or local hospital where you can go to receive care.
Know the signs of preterm labor
Preterm labor — which is labor that begins before 37 weeks of pregnancy — may occur in some pregnant women after a disaster. If you have any signs of preterm labor, call your health care provider, go to the hospital or tell the person in charge of the emergency shelter right away:
- contractions that make your belly tighten up like a fist every 10 minutes or more often
- low, dull backache
- change in the color of your vaginal discharge, or bleeding from your vagina
- cramps that feel like your period
- the feeling that your baby is pushing down, called pelvic pressure
- belly cramps with or without diarrhea