Medical Disclaimer: This guide is for general preparedness planning only. It is not a substitute for advice from your nephrologist or dialysis care team. In a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately.
Before an Emergency
Preparation done now — when there is no crisis — is what keeps you safe when one arrives. Work through these six steps with your care team.
Know Your Dialysis Schedule & Backup Centers
Identify at least two backup dialysis centers within 50 miles of your home and along your evacuation route. Call them now — before an emergency — to confirm they accept emergency patients and what documentation they require. Keep their addresses and phone numbers in your kit.
Build Your Emergency Kit
Assemble a ready-to-go bag with 3 days of renal-friendly shelf-stable food, your medication log, emergency contact card, fluid restriction tracker, and any medical supplies your care team recommends. The Renal Preparedness Project, Inc. kit is designed specifically for this purpose.
Create a Medication List
Write down every medication you take — name, dose, frequency, and prescribing doctor. Include your pharmacy name and phone number. Store a printed copy in your kit and a digital photo on your phone. Never rely solely on memory during a crisis.
Register with Local Emergency Services
Many counties maintain a Special Needs Registry for residents who require assistance during evacuations. Contact your local emergency management office or dial 2-1-1 to register. This helps first responders prioritize your location.
Plan Your Evacuation Route
Map at least two evacuation routes from your home. Identify pet-friendly shelters, medical-needs shelters, and hotels along each route. Share your plan with a trusted family member or caregiver who can assist if you cannot drive.
Notify Your Dialysis Center
Inform your dialysis center of your emergency plan. Ask them about their disaster protocol — many centers have agreements with facilities in other regions to accept displaced patients. Get the name of your center's emergency coordinator.
What Happens If You Miss Dialysis
Missing dialysis during an emergency is a medical emergency in itself. Know the risks.
Fluid and electrolyte buildup begins. Monitor for swelling and shortness of breath.
Dangerous potassium levels (hyperkalemia) can cause irregular heartbeat. Seek emergency care.
Life-threatening. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Disaster-Specific Guides
Tap any disaster type below for step-by-step guidance tailored to dialysis patients.
Emergency Quick Reference
Print this and keep it in your emergency kit.
Do This First
- → Grab your emergency kit
- → Call your dialysis center
- → Notify your emergency contact
- → Take all medications with you
- → Follow your evacuation plan
Key Numbers
- 911 Life-threatening emergency
- 2-1-1 Local emergency resources
- 1-800-621-3362 FEMA helpline
- 1-800-222-1222 Poison Control