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Planning Resources for Disaster Preparedness

The majority of resources that follow are appropriate for both dialysis providers and patients. In addition, some material is primarily relevant to dialysis providers. Also available is information specific to pandemic influenza.

For Dialysis Providers and Patients

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Documents

Preparing for Emergencies: A Guide for People on Dialysis (PDF opens in new window) Each new dialysis patient receives a copy of this helpful booklet, which contains information on gathering and carrying important medical information, making alternative arrangements for treatment, and what diet to follow if dialysis must be delayed during an emergency. A Spanish version (PDF opens in new window) is also available. Published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Planning for Natural Disasters and Other Types of Emergencies (2.3 MB PDF opens in new window) This publication is a guide for both dialysis facilities and patients preparing for emergencies. Produced by the National Kidney Foundation.

Fact Sheets

Keep It With You (KIWY). (PDF opens in new window) A three-page personal medical information form prepared by the US Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Key Information to Help Individuals with Kidney Failure during an Emergency or Disaster (PDF opens in new window) One-page list of sources for information on dialysis services, supplies, and staff. Developed by the National Kidney Community Emergency Response Coalition, appropriate for both for patients and service providers.

Save a Life - What You Need to Know about Emergency Preparedness for Individuals with Kidney Disease (PDF opens in new window) This document explains what is required in order to provide dialysis treatments, as well as what providers, patients, and emergency responders should do to prepare and provide for dialysis patients during an emergency. Produced by the National Kidney Community Emergency Response Coalition.

Websites

American Red Cross — Disaster Services Publications, Community Disaster Education Materials Listed by Hazard. http://www.redcross.org/pubs/dspubs/cdelist.html.

Center for Disease Control (CDC) — A variety of emergency preparedness and response resources are located at: http://www.bt.cdc.gov/. Following is an Index of Printable Disaster Materials published by the CDC: http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/printindex.asp. This list includes a number of safety and recovery publications that can be downloaded in as many as 8 different languages.

Disability Preparedness Resource Center — This disability preparedness Website provides practical information on how people with and without disabilities can prepare for an emergency. It also provides information for family members of, and service providers to, people with disabilities. In addition, this site includes information for emergency planners and first responders to help them to better prepare for serving persons with disabilities. Published by the US Department of Homeland Security, Interagency Coordinating Council on Emergency Preparedness and Individuals with Disabilities. http://www.disabilitypreparedness.gov/

Kidney Coalition Emergency Response (KCER) — Formed in January 2006, this national coalition has developed a number of tools and resources to assist ESRD service providers, emergency responders, patients, and their families in establishing preparedness and response plans that address the special needs of dialysis patients. http://www.kcercoalition.com/

The National Weather Service — The National Weather Service Website offers guidance on safety in a variety of severe weather conditions. Consider linking some of your disaster planning and training activities to Severe Weather Awareness Week events in your state.

The Nephron Information Center — An extensive Website dedicated to disaster preparedness for kidney patients and their providers, including an evacuee emergency data form that can be downloaded, completed, and taken with patients to other dialysis facilities. http://links.nephron.com/nephsites/disasters

Ready America — Published by the US Department of Homeland Security, this is an excellent, one-stop-shop for individuals and businesses. A simple 1-2-3 planning process is outlined, with templates and a 3-minute video, appropriate for individual and family emergency preparedness training. http://www.ready.gov/america/index.html

State Emergency Preparedness Resources

Michigan Disaster Preparedness Page: http://www.michigan.gov/michiganprepares

Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management Page: http://www.hsem.state.mn.us/

North Dakota Department of Emergency Services Home page: http://www.nd.gov/des/

South Dakota Office of Emergency Management Home page: http://www.state.sd.us/homeland

Wisconsin Department of Homeland Security, Public Health page: http://homelandsecurity.wi.gov/section.asp?linkid=141&locid=27

Specifically for Dialysis Providers

Emergency Preparedness for Dialysis Facilities (PDF opens in new window) This publication was prepared by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to assist dialysis facilities in the mitigation, preparation, response, and recovery associated with an emergency situation. It helps facilities to ensure the safety of employees and patients, assure the availability of dialysis care, protect medical and business records, mitigate property and content damage, and return to normal operations as soon as possible.

Four Keys to Being Prepared for a Disaster (PDF opens in new window) Created by the Facility Operations Committee of the National Kidney Community Emergency Response Coalition. Provides recommendations for facilities to consider in disaster preparedness plans.

Water Safety and Infection Control following a Disaster - for Healthcare (Dialysis) Professionals From the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC).

American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA) — Website hosts a Disaster Preparedness Information Center. Content includes preparedness documents from its October 2001, issue of the Nephrology Nursing Journal, and a mechanism for finding or offering volunteer staffing during an emergency.