The Department of Health will provide free potassium iodide, or KI, November 20 to Pennsylvanians who currently have tablets with a December 2014 expiration date who live within 10-miles of one of the state’s five nuclear power plants.

The department will properly dispose of expired KI that residents bring with them to the distribution sites.

KI can help protect the thyroid gland against harmful radioactive iodine when taken as directed during radiological emergencies. Individuals should only take KI when told to do so by state health officials or the governor.

Each adult will receive four 65-milligram tablets. Children will be given smaller doses based on their age. Individuals can pick up KI tablets for other family members or those who are unable to pick them up on their own. Directions detailing when to take the tablets and how to store them will be provided with the KI.

Anyone can take the tablets as long as they are not allergic to KI. They are safe for pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding, people on thyroid medicine, children and infants. Individuals who are unsure if they should take KI should ask a healthcare provider.

KI tablets are also available throughout the year at county and municipal health departments or state health centers.

Pennsylvania’s five nuclear power plants are closely regulated, secure and well-maintained. The facilities are: Beaver Valley Power Station, Limerick Generating Station, Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station, Susquehanna Steam Electric Station and Three Mile Island Generating Station.

Additional KI tablets are set to expire in 2015. The department will provide an update early next year.

KI tablets will be available between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Nov. 20 at the distribution sites below in Pennsylvania. No appointments are necessary.

Beaver Valley Power Station (Beaver County)

-- Beaver County Emergency Services, 351 14th St., Ambridge

-- Center at the Mall, 284 Beaver Valley Mall Blvd., Monaca

Limerick Generating Station (Montgomery County)

-- Keystone Fire Company, 240 N. Walnut St., Boyertown

-- The Montgomery County Health Department is also offering KI tablets at the following location from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 20:  Pottstown Health Center, 364 King St., Pottstown

Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station (York County)

-- Peach Bottom Community Center, 5 Pendyrus St., Delta

-- East Drumore Township Building, 925 Robert Fulton Highway, Quarryville

Susquehanna Steam Electric Station (Luzerne County)

-- Berwick Fire Department, Reliance Hose Company #1, 501 W. Third St., Berwick

-- Butler Township Community Center, 415 W. Butler Drive, Drums

-- Luzerne County Community College, Public Safety Training Institute, 1333 S. Prospect St., Nanticoke

Three Mile Island Generating Station (Dauphin County)

-- Fairview Township Fire Department, 340 Lewisberry Road, New Cumberland

-- Hummelstown Fire Hall, 249 E. Main St., Hummelstown

-- Lower Swatara Township Building, 1499 Spring Garden Dr., Middletown

-- Manchester Township Municipal Building, 3200 Farmtrail Rd., York

Click Here to download a fact sheet on KI tablets from the Department of Health.

11/10/2014