PUBLIC NOTICE: Potassium Iodide Distribution on October 24 in Townsend
Date Posted: Tuesday, October 15th, 2024
The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) and Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) will distribute free potassium iodide (KI) tablets to Delaware residents living within a 10-mile radius (also known as the Emergency Planning Zone or EPZ) of the Salem/Hope Creek Nuclear Generating Stations. The free tablets will be distributed on Thursday, October 24, between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. at the Townsend Fire Company, 107 Main Street, Townsend, 19734. Phone: (302) 378-8111.
KI is available to residents who have received it previously and whose tablets have reached their expiration date, as well as those who never received tablets before. Individuals with home or business addresses within the EPZ are eligible to receive the KI tablets. Recipients must bring a photo ID such as a driver’s license, proof of residency such as a utility bill, or proof of employment within the EPZ when they go to the Townsend Fire Company Hall—this is the only requirement to receive KI tablets. Residents who have KI that is expired can bring those tablets to the distribution center to exchange for new ones.
KI does not protect against external radiation but can help protect the thyroid gland from ingested or inhaled radioactive iodine that might be released in a radiation emergency. KI is one of the protective measures outlined in Delaware’s emergency plans developed for use in a nuclear incident. The State of Delaware receives the tablets through a program initiated by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).
Delaware residents living outside of the 10-mile EPZ who would like to obtain KI tablets should contact their pharmacist. KI is also available over the counter at some local pharmacies.
The 10-mile EPZ in Delaware is comprised of four Emergency Response Planning Areas (ERPAs):
- ERPA A: Port Penn, Odessa, East of Townsend, North Smyrna, and South St. George’s Areas
- ERPA B: Middletown, East of Townsend, and North Smyrna Areas.
- ERPA C: Delaware City, North Middletown, St. George’s, and Reybold Areas.
- ERPA D: The Delaware River and Bay.
For additional information regarding the potassium iodide distribution program in Delaware, call the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) Radiological Emergency Preparedness (REP) section at 302-659-3362. More information and resources can be found at PrepareDE.org.
Resources and Information
2024-2025 Emergency Plan Information for NJ and DE (PSEG Calendar) with up-to-date info and resources.
