The Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services (BES) announced that replacement of Potassium Iodide tablets, also known as KI, will be distributed within the Indian Point 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone. Indian Point Energy Center (IPEC) is a three-unit nuclear power plant station located in Buchanan, N.Y., just south of Peekskill.
“We encourage our residents who live within the 10-mile radius of Indian Point Energy Center to take advantage of this free program. While there is no indication of any trouble, we believe in making sure everyone who wants these tablets has the opportunity to get them,” said County Executive MaryEllen Odell.
According to BES Commissioner Adam Stiebeling, the 130 mg simple salt tablet of KI that was distributed in case of a radiological emergency at Indian Point will reach the end of its shelf life this month. Any expired KI can be discarded in regular household trash. Putnam County, through the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), will issue either replacement 65 mg tablets or KI in liquid form. The adult dose 130 mg tablet is no longer available through the NRC so adults will be required to take two (2) 65 mg tablets in an emergency.
The County BES will offer not only new supplies of KI during the month of February but emergency planning information and materials at the following locations and times: 2 – 7 p.m. on Feb. 20, VFW Hall, 34 Kemble Ave., Cold Spring; 2 – 7 p.m. on Feb. 25, Town Hall, 265 Oscawana Lake Road, Putnam Valley; Carmel, 2 to 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 27, Town Hall – Meeting Room 2, 60 McAlpin Ave., Mahopac.
KI supplies are also available for pick-up at the BES offices located at 112 Old Route 6 in Carmel. Office hours for pick-up are 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday through Friday or by calling 845-808-4000.
