Even More Important (NAPSA)—Everyone should plan for natural disasters, but this planning is especially important if you have a chronic health condition such as diabetes. Follow these ninestepsto be ready: 1. Dobasic planning. Plan for where youwill go ifyou must leave home, how youwill get there and whowill meet you there. Stay current with your vaccina- tions. Contact your county emergency beara e ditad eg & FF Eg managementoffice for advice on transportation andotherservices for people A little forethoughtcan help keep a disaster from becoming double trouble for you, evenifyou have diabetes. ing antibiotic cream, a flashlight and for how to powerit if the electricity is out and howto stop dialysis if you lose power in the middle of a treatment. Register with your water and power companies for priority service resto- with special needs. 2. Pack a go-kit. In a waterproof container, pack first aid supplies includspareclothes. Include extra socks and shoes, because it's important to keep your feet dry and free ofinfection. Keep ration. In your informationfolder, keep on hand for quick packing a week’s a copyofyourdialysis treatmentplan, worth of medicineplus supplies, medi- the phone numbers of your dialysis cal equipment, spare equipmentbatteries and cash.If you useinsulin,store it in the fridge with aninsulated lunch bag nearby, ready to fill and go. Keep your center and other nearby centers, and the kidney community hotline at (866) 901-3773. Talk with your doctor about kit by the front door. whatfood to pack in your go-kit for an emergency three-day diet. This eating your kit. This should include contact information for your healthcare pro- ments are missed ordelayed, becauseit reduces water and waste buildup in your 3.Put an information folder in fessionals, pharmacy and emergency contact person; a list of your medi- cines, doses and dosing schedules; and the make, model andserial number of any medicaldevice you use in case you needto replace it. Also include copies ofrecent A1C results or other lab work, your health insurance card and your photo ID. 4. Include foodsuppliesin yourkit. Pack a three-day supply of water and nonperishable foods that fit with your mealplan. Include snacks to treat low blood sugar. 5.Wear a medical alert ID. Ask yourhealthcare professional about how to get a free tag that states your medical condition. This is important if you need medicalcare butare not in a condition to talk. plan can save your life if dialysis treat- body. Finally, ifa disaster is looming, try to get your dialysis treatment ahead of schedule. 7.Be ready. Tune in to weather reportsandlisten for whatlocalleaders say about evacuation. Keep your phone andany medical devices charged.Ifyou havea car, keepit gassed up. 8. Evacuate early. As soonas local leaders advise people to evacuate, go to your preplannedlocation. Don't risk being trapped withoutaccessto electricity, clean water and supplies. Plus, early evacuation gives you a better chance of being housedin a special-needs shelter. Whenyouarriveat a shelter, alert workers aboutyourhealth conditions so you mayget the supportyou need. 9. Update your plan and restock your kit. At least once a year, review 6.Do kidney care planning. If you your emergencyplan with your doctor. are ondialysis for kidney disease, which On an ongoingbasis, swap out items often co-occurs with diabetes, talk to your dialysis center about their disas- ter plans. If you have a home dialysis or peritoneal dialysis machine, plan with expiration dates. Tolearn more about how to manage your diabetes, visit https://www.niddk. nih.gov.
