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A Caregiver’s Guide to Emergency Preparedness for Kidney Disease

When you’re caring for someone with kidney disease, you already know how much planning goes into keeping them healthy and safe. Emergencies like hurricanes, wildfires, power outages, or even winter storms can make that job much harder. For kidney patients, these events don’t just cause stress—they can interrupt life-saving treatments, limit access to medications, and create dangerous situations.

That’s why preparation is key. One of the most important steps you can take is to build a Kidney Disaster Pack—a ready-to-go collection of supplies tailored for kidney patients.

At Kidney Circle, we recommend pairing your Kidney Circle Care Planner with guidance from the Kidney Community Emergency Response (KCER) Program. KCER is a national program created to support dialysis patients and their families during disasters. It’s backed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), which means the information is trusted, reliable, and designed specifically with kidney patients in mind.

Here’s how to get started:

Medications: Don’t Get Caught Short

In an emergency, access to a pharmacy may be limited. That’s why it’s essential to keep a 5–7day supply of prescription medications in your Kidney Disaster Pack. Work with your loved one’s nephrology team to make a complete list, including any “as-needed” or emergency medications. Rotate these supplies every few months so they stay fresh and up to date.

Water and Hydration: Know the Limits

Water storage is a big part of most emergency plans, but kidney patients have unique needs. While the general guideline is one gallon per person per day, dialysis patients may require less, especially if treatments are delayed. Too much fluid can be dangerous. Talk with the care team about safe limits, write them down in your Care Planner, and stock bottled water or kidney-friendly drinks like apple or cranberry juice—always following the medical guidance.

Food Supplies: Think Kidney-Friendly

During an emergency, access to fresh food may be limited. Stock shelf-stable foods that are safe for kidney patients. The KCER program recommends options like:

• Canned vegetables (drained and rinsed)

• Unsalted peanut butter

• Applesauce or vanilla wafers

• Low-sodium canned proteins such as tuna, salmon, chicken, or turkey

Every patient is different, so check with the nephrology team for additional recommendations.

Critical Health Documents: Be Organized

In a crisis, having medical information at your fingertips can make all the difference. Keep these documents in a waterproof pouch inside your Kidney Disaster Pack:

• IDs and insurance/Medicare cards

• Current medication list with dosages

• Recent lab results and treatment schedule

• Emergency contact list (nephrologist, dialysis center, family)

• Medical power of attorney papers

The Kidney Circle Care Planner includes a section to record these details, plus space for emergency phone numbers—so you’re never scrambling to find them.

Safety and Communication: Stay Connected

Disasters often mean power outages and limited communication. That’s why your Kidney Disaster Pack should include basics like masks, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, gloves, a flashlight, a whistle, and a battery-powered radio. A portable phone charger or backup battery pack is especially important staying in touch with the dialysis center and medical team could be lifesaving.

Comfort and Hygiene: Reduce Stress

Emergencies are stressful, and small comforts can make a big difference. Pack clothing, sturdy shoes, towels, toothbrush and toothpaste, toilet paper, feminine care supplies, and sunscreen. Add a few personal items like a favorite blanket, book, or family photo to bring comfort during difficult times.

Emergency Diet Protocol: Plan Ahead

If dialysis treatments are interrupted, patients may need to follow a modified diet—often called an “emergency diet”—to reduce fluid and waste buildup. This is not something to figure out in the middle of a disaster. Sit down with the nephrology team now, document the plan in your Care Planner, and keep a copy in your Kidney Disaster Pack so it’s easy to reference.

Keeping It Updated: Maintenance Matters

Preparation isn’t about building the Kidney Disaster Pack once—it’s about keeping it ready. Store it somewhere easy to grab (like near the front door), and check supplies every 3–6 months. Update medications, replace expired food, and review the plan with your family so everyone knows what to do and where to find it.

Final Thoughts: 

Being a caregiver means carrying a lot of responsibility. By building a Kidney Disaster Pack, working with your loved one’s care team, using your Kidney Circle Care Planner, you’re giving your loved one layers of protection when it matters most.

Start today—visit KidneyCircle.com to access the KCER Checklist and other emergency resources. With your plan in place, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re ready for the unexpected.

You’ve got this.