I am on Dialysis. How can I prepare for the
storm?
|
Waiting for an emergency
or disaster to occur is too late! Dialysis
is dependent on the availability of power,
gas, supplies, and water – commodities that,
without proper planning, are difficult to
access in the event of an emergency or
disaster. |
Dialysis performs the functions that a
normal functioning kidney would, such as preventing
buildup of waste, salt and water in the body. Dialysis
also assists in controlling blood pressure and maintains
a safe level of certain chemicals within the blood. That
is why it is important to act now.
Individuals with kidney failure need to know ahead of
time what they can do to
maintain their health
during an emergency and disaster. This includes:
-
minimizing fluid intake
-
restricting their salt and
potassium intake
-
eating
an “emergency diet”
-
planning ahead so that they have the information
they need and know how to find care
If you or
someone you know is relies on dialysis, below is a brief
list of things to take action on in order to, not only
be prepared for hurricane season but for any other
hazard or emergency that may suddenly occur:
-
Contact your dialysis center!
This should be the first thing that you do because
they have emergency preparedness guidelines and can
usually work with you to set up an emergency plan.
It is important that you communicate with them for
the proper course of action.
-
Keep updated medical
information close at hand and current. This
information should be in your family preparedness
worksheets along with important emergency numbers.
-
Have a shelter in place plan
and an evacuation plan in place.
-
Be sure to have current
information on your dialysis facility which includes
address, phone numbers, and emergency phone numbers.
-
Engage in your emergency diet
which will assist with extended the need to a
dialysis treatment.
-
If you are evacuating to
another area be sure to have a list of all the
dialysis facilities in the new area.
-
Be sure to make alternative
arrangements for dialysis treatments.
-
Have a 5-7 days supply of
emergency foods, keeping in mind the special diet.
Preparing for Emergencies: A Guide for People on
Dialysis (.pdf / 146kb)
Find out what facilities
are closed or open at
www.dialysisunits.com
Go here to find out if
your
dialysis facility is open or closed:
https://www.dialysisunits.com
(On the homepage, and
enter your city and state)
