Emergency Preparedness

Be Prepared. Be Safe.

Hurricanes

Winter Storms
In an Emergency, the Network works with dialysis facilities to track and report the status of facility operations (open/closed/altered schedule). The Network works with federal, state, and local government agencies as needed to assist with patient safety and ensure dialysis facilities are prioritized to be open. Emergencies caused by severe weather or disasters can happen with or without warning. If you need dialysis, having the necessary power, water, transportation, and supplies will be important. Some emergency situations may make it impossible for you to get to your dialysis facility or give yourself dialysis. It is important to be prepared so you can stay healthy.
Emergency Preparedness Resources
View the Emergency Updates page for your Network to see the operational status of facilities during a potential emergency.
Resources for Healthcare Providers
- CMS Emergency Preparedness Final Rule: Updated Guidelines
- The Basics of Preparing an After-Action Report (AAR) for an Incident or Disaster: Recording|Slides
- Emergency Preparedness for Dialysis Facilities: Guide
- CDC's Natural Disasters and Severe Weather: Link
Resources for Patients
Emergencies caused by severe weather or disasters can happen with or without warning. If you need dialysis, having power and water, transportation, or supplies will be crucial. Some emergency situations may make it impossible for you to get to your dialysis facility or give yourself dialysis. It is important to be prepared so you can feel better and stay healthy.
- *NEW* Practices To Help Keep You Safe While Traveling To Your Healthcare Provider: English | Spanish
- Preparing For Emergencies (CMS Resource): Spanish
- Emergency Preparedness Patient Communication Plan
- General Patient Preparedness: Tips
- Preparing for Emergencies for People on Dialysis Guide: English
- KCER 3-Day Emergency Diet Plan: English|Spanish
- KCER Patient Emergency ID: Template
- Emergency Disconnect Procedure for In-Center Hemodialysis Patients: Handout
- Emergency Transportation Options for Dialysis Patients Handout: Network 1|Network 2|Network 6|Network 9
- ESRD NCC - Preparing for Hurricane Season During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Recording|Slides
- American Red Cross - Safe and Well: Link
Evacuee Resources for Patients
AKF Financial Grants
The American Kidney Fund manages its grant application process through the online Grants Management System (GMS). To help your patients apply for assistance from our Health Insurance Premium Program (HIPP), Safety Net program, prescription drug programs, disaster relief and grants for children, you will need to register in GMS, where you can download grant program guidelines and information. Click here to enter GMS
FEMA Assistance
www.DisasterAssistance.gov, is the quickest way to register for FEMA assistance. If you are unable to access the internet, you can also call 1-800-621-3362 (711/Video Relay Service), TTY 1-800-462-7585.
SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline
The SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline puts people in need of counseling on the path to recovery. Our staff members provide counseling and support before, during, and after disasters and refer people to local disaster-related resources for follow-up care and support. The Disaster Distress Helpline is staffed by trained counselors from a network of crisis call centers located across the United States. Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
ASPR Public Health and Emergency Support
The US Department of Health and Human Services' ASPR assists affected communities. The resources on this webpage can help individuals, families, communities and professionals stay up-to-date and recover from emergency events.
Centers For Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
CMS is helping states and U.S. territories to maintain access to care for those with Medicare and Medicaid by supporting the ability of participating hospitals and other healthcare facilities to provide timely care to as many people impacted by an emergency or disaster as possible. CMS will exercise allowable flexibilities and issue waivers as needed to accommodate the needs of those impacted by an emergency or disaster. Please see this Emergency Response and Recovery webpage for more information.
Weather-Specific Resources
General Severe Weather
- CDC's Natural Disasters and Severe Weather: Link
Hurricanes & Flooding
- National Hurricane Preparedness 2020: English|Spanish
- Flood Safety Tips: English|Spanish
- Preparedness and Safety for Hurricanes and Flooding: Guide
- FEMA - How to Prepare for a Hurricane: Guide
- Ready.gov Disasters and Emergencies: Floods
- Ready.gov Disasters and Emergencies: Hurricanes
Winter Storms
- FEMA - How to Prepare for a Winter Storm: Guide
- Snowstorm Health - Tips for People on Dialysis: Handout
- Ready.gov Disasters and Emergencies: Snowstorms
- Be Prepared to Stay Safe and Healthy in Winter: English|Spanish
Extreme Heat
- Extreme Summer Heat - Tips for Dialysis Patients: Handout
- Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness: English|Spanish
- Keep Your Cool in Hot Weather! Guide: English|Spanish
Tornado
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact us:
Facility Contacts
- American Renal (ARA)
1-888-880-6867 - DaVita
1-800-400-8331 - Dialysis Clinic Inc (DCI)
1-866-424-1990 - Fresenius Kidney Care (FKC)
1-800-626-1297 - U.S. Renal Care/DSI
1-877-374-3375
Can't find your facility? Click here to search for a dialysis unit in the United States
Patient Hotlines
- American Kidney Fund (AKF)
1-866-300-2900 - Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
1-800-621-3362 - National Kidney Foundation (NKF)
1-888-335-4363 - Kidney Emergency Response Coalition (KCER)
1-866-901-3773 - Veterans Disaster Relief Hotline
1-800-507-4571 - Baxter Renal Care
1-800-507-4571 - SAMHSA Disaster Distress Hotline
1-800-985-5990
Dialysis Patient Preparedness
This 8-minute video includes information, tools, and resources to improve mitigation, response, and recovery during emergencies.
Watch the Video in: