Disaster can strike at any time, follow these tips to male sure you're safe during a disaster.
Natural disasters are unpredictable to say the least while dialysis is anything but. Being on dialysis requires structure and a strict schedule. We need to have 3 1/2 to 4 hour sessions every other day of Hemodialysis (HD) or 9 hours of Peritoneal Dialysis (PD). Going without dialysis can unfortunately lead to death, which is why the unpredictable nature of a natural disaster a problem.
Recently here in Trinidad we experienced major flooding. It left houses under water and streets impassable. This is a major problem for kidney patients because it shows how easy it is for us to end up stuck without dialysis for days. However, even though we can’t predict natural disasters, there are certain steps that can be taken to be prepared.
Be sure to check your kit every 3 to 6 months to ensure it’s well stocked and food items not expired. Remember to update your medicine list every time your prescription changes. You should also carry a patient ID card with you at all times.
Probably one of the most important things is to have on hand is a dialysis disaster preparedness kit which contains all your disaster / medical supplies and information. Your disaster preparedness kit should contain items such as bandages, antibiotic ointment, tegaderm, sterile gauze, medication, notepad with a list of important phone numbers ( in case you lose access to your cell phone), paper cups and plates, flashlight, extra batteries, battery operated radio, bottle and can opener, bottled water, a copy of the 3 day diet and non perishable food (enough to do the 3 day diet twice) .
Be sure to check your kit every 3 to 6 months to ensure it’s well stocked and food items not expired. Remember to update your medicine list every time your prescription changes. You should also carry a patient ID card with you at all times. You can get one from KWTT if you don’t already have one. Have an emergency contact and memorize their number.
Now that we’ve established what should be done before the storm to be prepared, let’s talk about what should be done after the natural disaster takes place. After the disaster the power and water may be out for a few hours to a few days preventing HD patients in particular from getting dialysis. PD patients can always do manual exchanges if the power goes out. The first thing you should do after the disaster strikes is start the 3 day diet immediately. Following the diet can save your live so it’s imperative to begin as soon as possible.
More details on that below. Once the power returns call your dialysis center and arrange to get treatment.
If your center was damaged during the disaster you can go to another center or to the hospital to receive your treatment.
The following food items will be needed for the 3-day emergency diet and should be stored in your emergency kit:
3 packages of dry milk or four
8-ounce cans of evaporated milk
1 to 2 gallons of distilled or bottled water
2 packages of powdered fruit flavored drink or one large bottle of pre-mixed fruit flavored drink
1 to 2 cans or bottles of soft drink (no dark cola due to high phosphorus)
A six pack of 4-ounce cans or boxes of low potassium fruit juice (apple, grape, etc.)
6 boxes of single serving cereal (no raisin bran)
1 box of sugar, sugar packets or artificial sweetener
12 four-ounce cans of low potassium fruit or fruit bowls (peaches, pineapple, oranges, mixed fruit, applesauce or pears. No raisins.)
8 small cans of unsalted tuna, salmon, chicken or turkey
1 jar of peanut butter
1 small jar of grape jelly
1 small jar of honey
3 small jars of mayonnaise (you will open a new jar each day) or 8-12 single serving foil wrapped packets
1 loaf of white bread (this can be stored in the freezer and replaced every 3 months until needed for emergency)
1 box of vanilla wafers or graham crackers
4 to 6 bags of hard candy (jelly beans, mints, sourballs, lollipops)
1 package of marshmallows
Use any fresh food items you have available for the 3-day emergency diet first, then use what you have stored in your emergency kit. Diabetics should limit their sugar intake and substitute diabetic-friendly items where appropriate. However, diabetics should have some candy available that is not sugar-free in case their blood sugar gets too low.
On the 3-day emergency diet, you will only be allowed 2 cups of fluid each day.
This diet is stricter than your renal diet; it has been designed to limit the amount of waste and fluid buildup in your body if you are unable to receive dialysis.
The menu for the 3-day emergency diet is as follows:
Day 1
Breakfast
½ cup milk (made from the dry powdered milk) or mix ¼ cup evaporated milk with ¼ cup distilled or bottled water)
1 single-serving box of cereal
1 tablespoon sugar (if needed)
½ cup of drained, canned peaches
Snack
5 vanilla wafers or 1-½ graham cracker squares
10 sourballs
Lunch
2 slices of bread
2 tablespoons peanut butter
2 tablespoons jelly
½ cup drained, canned pears
½ cup (4 ounces) powdered or pre-mixed fruit flavored drink
Snack
10 marshmallows
½ cup applesauce
Dinner
2 slices bread
½ can (2 ounces) unsalted, canned chicken*
2 tablespoons mayonnaise*
1/2 cup cranberry juice
Snack
10 jelly beans
5 vanilla wafers or 1-½ graham cracker squares
Day 2
Breakfast
½ cup milk (made from the dry powered milk) or mix ¼ cup evaporated milk with ¼ cup distilled or bottled water)
1 single-serving box of cereal
1 tablespoon sugar (if needed)
½ can drained, canned pears
Snack
5 unsalted crackers with jelly
10 jelly beans
Lunch
2 slices of bread
¼ cup (1 ounce) unsalted, canned turkey*
½ cup drained, canned pineapple
½ cup (4 ounces) powdered or pre-mixed fruit flavored drink
Snack
10 mints
½ cup canned applesauce
Dinner
2 slices of bread
½ can (2 ounces) unsalted, canned tuna*
2 tablespoons mayonnaise*
½ cup cranberry juice
Snack
5 vanilla wafers or 1-½ graham cracker squares
10 sourballs
Day 3
Breakfast
½ cup milk (made from the dry powdered milk) or mix ¼ cup evaporated milk with ¼ cup distilled water
1 single-serving box of cereal
1 tablespoon sugar (if needed)
½ cup drained canned pears
Snack
10 vanilla wafers or 1-½ graham cracker squares
10 hard candies
Lunch
2 slices of bread
2 tablespoons peanut butter
2 tablespoons jelly or honey
½ cup drained canned peaches
½ cup (4 ounces) cranberry juice
Snack
½ cup applesauce
10 jelly beans
Dinner
2 slices of bread
½ cup (2 ounces) unsalted, canned salmon*
1 tablespoon mayonnaise*
1/2 cup light soda (no dark cola due to high phosphorus)
Snack
5 vanilla wafers or 1-½ graham cracker squares
10 marshmallows
For days 4-6, repeat the menu from days 1-3
*PERISHABLE ITEM: Throw away unused portion if not eaten or refrigerated within 4 hours.
Ask your renal dietitian if you have questions about the emergency diet. Do not substitute any foods on this diet without talking to your dietitian first.
When a widespread emergency occurs, if you are at home and uninjured, you should stay home unless instructed by emergency personnel. Watch television or listen to the radio for any news about your area. For weather related emergencies, you may have some time before the worst hits. Be aware of any weather watches in your area.
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