In the event of an emergency, have you considered how your diet may be affected without electricity and, potentially, access to dialysis? Preparing for an emergency, and understanding what you will eat during this time, is vital as a dialysis patient. Learn about how to support your nutrition during an emergency in a kidney-friendly way.* 

Why is an emergency nutrition plan needed?

During an emergency, you may have no water and/or electricity for several days and be unable to prepare meals as you normally do. In addition, if you are not able to get to your dialysis clinic or it is shut down, the build-up of toxins (such as potassium, phosphorus, and fluid) can become life-threatening. 

What are some nutrition tips for an emergency?

While it is important to continue to eat during an emergency, you will need to be extra cautious about what you are eating. Here are some tips to consider during an emergency:

• After losing electricity, eat food from your refrigerator within 12 hours, and from your freezer within one to two days. 
• Avoid eating food from a jar or can after it has been open and unrefrigerated for four hours.
• Use disposable plates and utensils, and throw them away after use. 
• Reduce fluid intake to two cups or 16 ounces daily. Chewing gum can help with thirst and a dry mouth. 
• Avoid high-potassium foods, salt, and salt substitutes that contain added potassium
• Use one tablespoon of peanut butter if you need a protein source for an evening snack.
• If you have diabetes, continue to check your blood sugars as recommended.
• Have hard candy, glucose tablets, low potassium juices, and/or sugared soda on hand in case of low blood sugar.

What should I have on hand during an emergency?

Since natural disasters can happen with little warning, have the following items on hand so you are ready for either sheltering in place or having to evacuate your home quickly: 

• A two-week supply of all medicines and vitamins
• All of the groceries listed in the National Kidney Foundation guide
• Enough insulin and diabetes supplies (if you have diabetes) with extra batteries for the glucometer 
• Emergency name and phone number list, including your doctor, dialysis unit, and local hospital
• Radio and flashlight, with extra batteries
• Candles and matches
• Disposable plates, bowls, cups, and utensils
• Paper towels
• Hand-operated can opener
• Five gallons of distilled water
• Refrigerator thermometer (if sheltering in place)

How can my dialysis clinic help? 

Similar to the guide provided by the National Kidney Foundation, your dialysis dietitian can also provide an emergency grocery list and a three-day meal plan for you. They can also answer any nutrition questions you may have regarding eating during an emergency. Reach out to your dialysis team if you want more information to help prepare you for an emergency. 

*Emergency Meal Planning for Diabetic Patients on Dialysis. (2019, July 19). National Kidney Foundation. https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/emergencymealdb