The Pennsylvania Department of Health is coordinating the statewide distribution of free potassium iodide tablets on Aug. 14 for all residents who live, work, or study within 10 miles of the four active nuclear power plants in the commonwealth.The KI tablet distribution events are part of emergency preparedness planning and are only to be used in the unlikely event of a radiological release from a nuclear power plant.“The distribution of the KI tablets, which reduce the risk of thyroid cancer from exposure to radioactive iodine, is done as a precautionary measure associated with emergency preparedness planning,” said Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen. “The tablets are only to be used when directed by emergency response officials. The Department encourages anyone with expired tablets to replace them with new ones that can be easily obtained from any of the pickup locations on Aug. 14.”Residents are encouraged to pick up the tablets during the statewide distribution event on Aug. 14 at the following times and locations:Beaver Valley Power StationBeaver Valley Mall – Center at the MallUnit #284570 Beaver Valley Mall Blvd.Monaca, PA 15061Times: 2-7 p.m.Limerick Generating StationKeystone Fire Company240 N. Walnut St.Boyertown, PA 19512Times: 2-7 p.m.Kimberton Fire Company2276 Kimberton Rd.Phoenixville, PA 19460Times: 12:30-6 p.m.Limerick Fire Company390 W Ridge PikeLimerick, PA 19468Times: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.Pottstown Health Center364 King StreetPottstown, PA 19464Times: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.Peach Bottom Atomic Power StationEast Drumore Township Municipal Building925 Robert Fulton Hwy.Quarryville, PA 17566Times: 2-7 p.m.Peach Bottom Recreation Center5 Pendyrus StreetDelta, PA 17314Times: 2-7 p.m.Susquehanna Steam Electric StationBerwick City Hall1800 N. Market St.Berwick, PA 18603Times: 2-7 p.m.Butler Township Community Center − Gym411 West Butler DriveDrums, PA 18222Times: 2-7 p.m.Luzerne County Community College − Public Safety Training Institute1211 Public Safety DriveNanticoke, PA 18634Times: 2-7 p.m.Pennsylvanians should check the expiration date on their current KI tablet packaging.KI tablets issued in these areas prior to July 2024 are likely expired and should be replaced.Expired tablets can be safely disposed of in household trash. Please do not flush them.In the unlikely event of a radiological release from a nuclear plant, radioactive iodine may be released into the air. While KI does not protect against all forms of radiation, nor prevent exposure, it adds a layer of protection critical in certain radiological emergency scenarios.KI is safe to take for individuals of all ages, including infants and children, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and people on most forms of thyroid medication.Residents should consult with their health care provider if they are unsure about using KI or have an allergy to iodine.You may obtain KI tablets on behalf of others, including family, neighbors, or individuals unable to attend in person.Schools, businesses, and institutions located within 10 miles of a nuclear power facility may continue to coordinate bulk tablet pickups with local public health partners.If you are unable to attend a distribution event can still obtain free KI tablets, which are available year-round at county and municipal health departments, State Health Centers serving these areas, or by calling the Department of Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH.For additional information on potassium iodide and staying safe during a radiological event near a nuclear power plant, please visit the Pennsylvania Department of Health website.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health is coordinating the statewide distribution of free potassium iodide tablets on Aug. 14 for all residents who live, work, or study within 10 miles of the four active nuclear power plants in the commonwealth.

The KI tablet distribution events are part of emergency preparedness planning and are only to be used in the unlikely event of a radiological release from a nuclear power plant.

“The distribution of the KI tablets, which reduce the risk of thyroid cancer from exposure to radioactive iodine, is done as a precautionary measure associated with emergency preparedness planning,” said Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen. “The tablets are only to be used when directed by emergency response officials. The Department encourages anyone with expired tablets to replace them with new ones that can be easily obtained from any of the pickup locations on Aug. 14.”

Residents are encouraged to pick up the tablets during the statewide distribution event on Aug. 14 at the following times and locations:

Beaver Valley Power Station

Beaver Valley Mall – Center at the Mall

Unit #284

570 Beaver Valley Mall Blvd.

Monaca, PA 15061

Times: 2-7 p.m.

Limerick Generating Station

240 N. Walnut St.

Boyertown, PA 19512

Times: 2-7 p.m.

2276 Kimberton Rd.

Phoenixville, PA 19460

Times: 12:30-6 p.m.

390 W Ridge Pike

Limerick, PA 19468

Times: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

364 King Street

Pottstown, PA 19464

Times: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station

East Drumore Township Municipal Building

925 Robert Fulton Hwy.

Quarryville, PA 17566

Times: 2-7 p.m.

Peach Bottom Recreation Center

5 Pendyrus Street

Delta, PA 17314

Times: 2-7 p.m.

Susquehanna Steam Electric Station

1800 N. Market St.

Berwick, PA 18603

Times: 2-7 p.m.

Butler Township Community Center − Gym

411 West Butler Drive

Drums, PA 18222

Times: 2-7 p.m.

Luzerne County Community College − Public Safety Training Institute

1211 Public Safety Drive

Nanticoke, PA 18634

Times: 2-7 p.m.

Pennsylvanians should check the expiration date on their current KI tablet packaging.

KI tablets issued in these areas prior to July 2024 are likely expired and should be replaced.

Expired tablets can be safely disposed of in household trash. Please do not flush them.

In the unlikely event of a radiological release from a nuclear plant, radioactive iodine may be released into the air.

While KI does not protect against all forms of radiation, nor prevent exposure, it adds a layer of protection critical in certain radiological emergency scenarios.

KI is safe to take for individuals of all ages, including infants and children, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and people on most forms of thyroid medication.

Residents should consult with their health care provider if they are unsure about using KI or have an allergy to iodine.

You may obtain KI tablets on behalf of others, including family, neighbors, or individuals unable to attend in person.

Schools, businesses, and institutions located within 10 miles of a nuclear power facility may continue to coordinate bulk tablet pickups with local public health partners.

If you are unable to attend a distribution event can still obtain free KI tablets, which are available year-round at county and municipal health departments, State Health Centers serving these areas, or by calling the Department of Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH.

For additional information on potassium iodide and staying safe during a radiological event near a nuclear power plant, please visit the Pennsylvania Department of Health website.