Potassium Iodide, known by its chemical symbol KI, is an over-the-counter medication. In the event of a serious nuclear plant emergency, KI can be used as a supplement to sheltering and evacuation.
Based on medical studies, federal guidance and an increased public interest in KI-potassium iodide, New York State and Westchester County have developed a program to provide KI-potassium iodide to residents who live, work or travel within the 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone.
Residents should understand that:
- KI protects only the thyroid gland from radioactive-iodine that may be emitted during a radiological emergency.
- KI offers no protection for other forms of radiation, nor does it protect any other parts of the body from radioactive materials.
- KI provides no protection against external irradiation of any kind.
The FDA emphasizes that the use of KI should be used as an adjunct to, not an option “in lieu of” evacuation, sheltering, and control of foodstuffs. If you live within the 10-mile radius of Indian Point, you should pick up some free KI that you may need to use in a radiological emergency.
KI tablets are available at the following locations:
Village of Briarcliff Municipal Building 1111 Pleasantville Road Briarcliff Manor (914) 941-4800
Village of Croton-on-Hudson Municipal Building 1 Van Wyck Street Croton-on-Hudson (914) 271-4781
Town of New Castle Town Clerks Office, Town Hall 200 Greely Avenue Chappaqua (914) 238-4771
Town and Village of Ossining Community Center 95 Broadway Ossining (914) 941-3189
Town of Somers Supervisors Office, Town Hall 335 Route 202 Somers (914) 277-3637 |
City of Peekskill Office of Emergency Management 4 Nelson Avenue Peekskill Call ahead (914) 862-1020 or (914) 862-1424
Town of Yorktown Community and Cultural Center 974 Commerce Street Yorktown (914) 962-5758
John Hart Library 1130 Main Street Yorktown (914) 245-5262
Westchester County Department of Emergency Services Main Office 4 Dana Road Valhalla (914) 231-1850 |