Preparing for a hurricane or other severe weather with a newborn

Living in Florida, we all know and expect severe weather and hurricanes from June 1st through November 30th. While preparing for a hurricane is stressful, preparing for a hurricane with a newborn can double that stress. Preparation is the key to successfully navigating this occurrence with as little stress as possible.

1. Evacuation Plan

Know the flood zones and what yours is. This information can be found on the official FEMA website at https://www.floodfind.com. For Hillsborough County Find My Flood Zone | Hillsborough County, FL (hcfl.gov). For Pinellas County, your flood & evacuation information can be found at Flood Maps & Zones – Pinellas County, and for Pasco County, Flood And Evacuation Zone (pascocountyfl.net).

In addition to knowing your flood zone, having an evacuation plan prepared in advance is essential. The above websites will also help you learn and plan a potential evacuation.
We are blessed here in Florida with informative news channels that are diligent about providing advanced warnings of potential hurricanes and other severe weather. As part of your preparation, the following areas are so important.

  • Printed copy of evacuation route
  • A full tank of gas and good tires
  • Alternative options for evacuation

2. Emergency Kit

Having an emergency kit specifically for your infant is important as their needs may differ from a standard emergency kit. Items to include are:

  • 3 weeks’ worth of diapers and wipe
  • A cooler with dry ice to store and protect frozen breastmilk
  • Fridge and freezer thermometers
  • 3 weeks’ worth of formula
  • If using formula, 7 bottles of your choice. Another good option to reduce the number of parts that need to be cleaned or sterilized is the Playtex Baby Drop-Ins Liners and bottle.
  • If you are using a breast pump, charging cord, plenty of batteries specific to your pump, and a hand pump in case of loss of power or batteries.
  • Bottled drinking water for formula preparation and drinking
  • 3 weeks’ worth of non-perishable food (think pouches, canned food, baby food in glass jars)
  • Sippy cups and pacifiers
  • Battery-operated fans
  • Mosquito netting
  • 3 week’s worth of any prescribed medication and OTC medications specifically Tylenol & Motrin
  • Baby thermometer
  • 3 week’s worth of baby clothing and plenty of blankets/swaddles
  • Hygiene items for baby such as body wash, lotion & diaper cream
  • Hygiene items for yourself and other family members
  • Any comfort items & toys to entertain and keep baby engaged
  • Portable bassinette or Pack & Play (sheets as well )
  • Sound machine if using
  • Baby carrier
  • Fully stocked 1st aid kit

3. Shelter Sites for your Area

By accessing the above FEMA site or specific county websites, you will be able to identify shelters that can accommodate infants and any pets you may have.

4. Important Documents

Keep all of these in Ziplock bags or a watertight storage bin.

  • Insurance cards
  • Social Security cards
  • Birth certificates
  • Immunization records
  • Passports
  • Homeowners insurance policy & contact information
  • Deed to home
  • Titles for any vehicles
  • Divorce records
  • Adoption papers
  • Military records
  • Power of attorney/wills
  • Child custody papers
  • Prescription medication information
  • Current photos of yourself, children, and home including contents
  • Pictures or disc of all financial information (bank accounts, stocks, bonds, tax forms)
  • Pet vaccination records

5. How to Communicate and Stay Informed

Establish a communication plan with family and friends ahead of time. This can include specific times for check-in sites that you will be using to check-in. Locate local and federal reliable sources to be aware of weather updates and evacuation orders.

6. Safeguarding Your Home

Before evacuation, consider boarding up windows and doors. Elevate any items that may be damaged by flood water. Use sandbags to protect doors and entryways.

7. Valuables

Store valuables such as laptops, computers, iPad, and phones in a large plastic storage bin.

8. Backpacks

When packing, consider using backpacks instead of suitcases. If you’ll be using a baby carrier, it will be easier to carry a backpack than a suitcase.

9. Storage Options

Consider stashing a bag of essentials at a friend’s house who is not in the evacuation zone or path of a hurricane.

10. Vehicles

If you have 2 cars, consider moving one out of the path predicted for severe weather.


I know that all this information can feel overwhelming but with a little preparation and planning, you can navigate these inevitable disruptions due to severe weather. Enlist the help of family and friends to help you prepare and organize necessary items. Here in the Tampa Bay Area, we are fortunate to have dedicated County resources and plenty of advance notice of incoming weather. Keeping all your important documents in a binder with plastic pages will take the hassle out of having to gather these documents in a rush. Consider dedicating a few water-tight plastic storage bins to prepacked items from the above lists. Be sure to swap out bottled water every 6 months and pay attention to expiration dates on non-perishable items and prepacked medication.