When winter weather hits, home hemodialysis (HHD) patients face unique challenges. Snow, ice, and power outages can disrupt treatments and access to care. That’s why winter storm prep is essential for your safety and peace of mind.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical, life-saving steps to prepare for a winter storm while managing your home dialysis treatments.

Communicate Early with Your Care Team

The first step in winter storm prep is to notify your dialysis care team when severe weather is expected. Your care team can help you adjust your treatment schedule ahead of time and provide instructions for emergencies or power outages. They can also make sure you have enough supplies on hand.

Keep your clinic’s emergency contact number saved in your phone and written down in a visible location.

Stock Your Emergency Supplies

Create a dedicated emergency kit with all your dialysis essentials.

Include at least 3 days of treatment supplies, a manual blood pressure cuff and stethoscope, and extra gloves, disinfectants, and bandages. Flashlights, batteries, and a backup phone charger are also key items.

Be sure to keep a written copy of your dialysis prescription and treatment instructions in your kit. This kind of winter storm prep ensures you can continue treatments if roads are closed or help is delayed.

Plan for Power Outages

Power outages are one of the biggest risks during winter storms. Discuss backup power options with your dialysis provider. You may need a generator, battery system, or inverter that can safely power your machine.

Learn the emergency disconnect procedures in case power fails during a session.

Practicing a treatment pause can also be helpful until the power returns. These precautions are vital to maintaining safe and uninterrupted home dialysis care.

Follow Fluid and Diet Guidelines Closely

If you miss a treatment due to weather, it’s even more important to stick to your fluid and dietary restrictions.

Avoid excess fluid intake, limit sodium, potassium, and phosphorus, and rely on shelf-stable renal-friendly food stored in your emergency kit.

Ask your care team for a “3-day emergency diet plan” that fits your health needs.

Follow Fluid and Diet Guidelines Closely

Understanding the signs of a medical emergency is a key part of winter storm prep. Call for help if you experience severe swelling, trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, or sudden weakness.

When in doubt, contact your care team or dial 911 immediately.

Final Thoughts

Winter storms can come fast and hit hard. With the right winter storm prep, home hemodialysis patients can stay safe, comfortable, and in control.

Take time now to speak with your dialysis team, stock up on supplies, and finalize your emergency plan before bad weather arrives.

Stay warm. Stay safe. Stay prepared.

For more resources on home dialysis and emergency planning, contact your provider or visit your local dialysis center.