Frostbite: Numbness, pale/gray/yellowing skin and firm/waxy skin
Hypothermia: Shivering, confusion/memory problems, fatigue, trouble speaking, or if your temperature drops below 95° F
Try to keep non-perishable food, water, and can openers on hand
Go for canned meats, fruits and vegetables that are ready to eat, and can be used in a renal diet
Protein bars, cereal and granola, and dried fruit are great snacks to have
If possible, try to keep some food, water, and can openers in your “go-bag”
Keep a list of your local healthcare facilities, with addresses, phone numbers, and emails/websites
Consider these facilities:
Hospitals/ERs
Pharmacies
Urgent care clinics
Ancillary care:
Dialysis Centers, Cancer Treatment Centers
Plan for any chronic conditions you may have
Diabetes: Talk to your pharmacist about keeping a supply of insulin on hand – Try to refrain from eating sugar and other carbohydrates
Kidney disease: Make sure you have access to dialysis treatment and use the renal diet
Cardiovascular disease & hypertension: Try to refrain from high-salt and fatty food and aim for 30 minutes of activity a day to manage your blood pressure
Pulmonary disease: Work with your supplier to understand options for keeping resupplies of oxygen with you
Disability: Develop alternative transportation plans and identify a trusted caretaker if necessary
Aging: Post emergency numbers near every house phone and cellular phone
Asthma: Have a plan to ensure you have a supply of your asthma medications and supplies
Cancer: If you have a cancer survivorship care plan, keep a copy handy and take steps to lower your risk for infections
Keep a list of helpful hotlines
Healthcare Ready: 1-866-247-2694
FEMA Disaster Assistance Helpline: 1-800-621-3362
Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 (or text “TalkWithUS” to 66746)
Kidney Community Emergency Response (KCER): 1-866-901-3773
Red Cross: 1-800-733-2767
American Diabetes Association: 1-800-342-2283
American Heart Association: 1-800-242-8721
American Association of People with Disabilities: 1-800-840-8844
American Stroke Association: 1-888-478-7653
Make sure you know your prescription medication and health information – use Rx on the Run to keep a list of your prescriptions
Rx on the Run is a personalized wallet-sized card that lists your prescriptions with the latest dosage and instructions
If you believe you have frostbite or hypothermia, stay in a warm room
Frostbite:
Soak in warm water and use body heat to warm yourself
Do not massage the skin or use heating pads
Hypothermia:
Warm the center of your body first before your limbs
Wrap yourself (and you head and neck) in a warm blanket and stay dry
Stay indoors and avoid driving, if possible
Wear thick clothing and multiple layers if you must go outside
If you are driving and get trapped in your car, stay inside the car
Do not run gas-powered generators, grills, or heaters indoors (Gas build up can be lethal!)
Check with your health insurance provider for emergency support resources and hotlines
Start by calling the number on the back of your insurance card for assistance
If you don’t have insurance, call 2-1-1 and ask about local services that may be able to help
If there is a disaster declaration, you can also try to apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance for financial support by calling 800-621-3362 or visiting DisasterAssistance.gov