The Department of Health will offer free potassium iodide, or KI, tablets August 6 to Pennsylvanians who are within 10 miles of one of the state's five nuclear power plants.

"If you live or work near a nuclear facility, KI tablets should be an essential part of your emergency preparedness plan and go kit," said Secretary of Health Dr. Karen Murphy. "KI can help protect the thyroid gland against harmful radioactive iodine when taken as directed during radiological emergencies. But it's important to remember that the tablets should only be taken when the Governor or state public health officials advise you to do so."

KI can be taken by anyone as long as they are not allergic to it. It is safe for pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding, people on thyroid medicine, children and infants. Individuals who are unsure if they should take potassium iodide should ask a health care provider.

KI tablets will be available between 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on August 6 at the distribution sites below. No appointments are necessary.

— Beaver Valley Power Station

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

-- Limerick Generating Station

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

Pottstown Health Center, 364 King St., Pottstown

The Montgomery County Health Department is also offering KI tablets at the following location from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on August 6:

— Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station

Peach Bottom Community Center, 5 Pendyrus St., Delta

East Drumore Township Building, 925 Robert Fulton Highway, Quarryville

— Susquehanna Steam Electric Station

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

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

Salvation Army, 320 W. 2nd St., Berwick

— Three Mile Island Generating Station

Fairview Township Fire Department, 340 Lewisberry Road, New Cumberland

Londonderry Township Building, 783 S. Geyers Church Road, Middletown

Masonic Village, Freemasons Cultural Center, 1 Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown

Mohler Senior Center, 25 Hope Drive, Hershey

Union Fire Company No. 1, 201 York St., Manchester

During the distribution, each adult will receive four 65-milligram tablets. Children will be given smaller doses based on their age. Individuals can pick up the 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. Health department staff will be on site to answer questions.

KI is also available for those who work within the 10-mile radius, but do not live there. Employers can contact the Department of Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH to make arrangements to pick up tablets for their entire workforce.

School districts within the 10-mile radius have the option of deciding whether to distribute KI for their students. Interested schools work directly with the department to obtain their supply of tablets.

KI tablets are available throughout the year at county and municipal health departments or state health centers located within the 10-mile radius.

Pennsylvania's five nuclear power plants are closely regulated, secure and well-maintained. The facilities are: Beaver Valley Power Station (Beaver County), Limerick Generating Station (Montgomery County), Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station (York County), Susquehanna Steam Electric Station (Luzerne County), and Three Mile Island Generating Station (Dauphin County).

More details on evacuation routes and power plant fact sheets are available on the PA Emergency Management Agency website.

For more information, visit the Department of Health website or call 1-877-PA-HEALTH (1-877-724-3258).

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