Preparing for Emergencies

Natural disasters are out of our control. Residential floods or electrical outages are also out of our hands, and these kinds of catastrophes can be hard on anyone. So, what do you do when facing an emergency and you are on dialysis?

As a Liberty Home Dialysis patient, you can leave the emergencies to us. We help you prepare for emergencies with protocols that are already in place so that you don’t have to worry. If you have a power or water outage, you can give us a call, and we’ll provide a solution.

While managing emergencies can be stressful, a personal plan can come in handy when disaster strikes. If you are a dialysis patient, there are a few steps you can take to prepare for emergencies on small and large scales.

A home emergency kit can save you and your family during an emergency. Work with other family members to prepare a plan and create an emergency kit. If you must leave your home during the emergency, be sure to take your emergency kit with you. These items should be in a sturdy bag that can be carried or wheeled around, and it should be easy to access in your home.

5 essentials your emergency kit should include:

1. Emergency phone numbers for your doctors and dialysis center
2. At least 3-7 days’ worth of medicines you take (and list of medications)
3. Water and food to last a few days
4. First aid supplies (i.e. gauze, bandages, safety pins, disposable gloves, scissors, antiseptic, etc.)
5. A flashlight

Once your plan and kit are prepared, you and your family should practice your plan of action based on the emergency. Decide on a place to meet if you and your family members are separated. Additionally, in disaster-prone areas, you and your family should choose an out-of-state friend or relative to stay with during the emergency.

If an emergency occurs, remember your diet restrictions. Dialysis patients should be exceptionally mindful of their fluid intake during an emergency. You can substitute chewing gum for fluid intake, and you should try to avoid salt. Limit fruits and vegetables because of their high-water content.

Preparing a plan, creating a kit, and practicing your plan can protect you during an emergency. But remember that Liberty Home Dialysis can help you through an emergency, so if one occurs, don’t hesitate to contact us.