By Craig Anderson

MIDDLETOWN - The Delaware Emergency Management Agency and Delaware Division of Public Health will distribute potassium iodine tablets to Delaware residents living within a 10-mile radius of the Salem/Hope Creek Nuclear Generating Stations in New Jersey.

The free tablets will be distributed Oct. 13 between noon and 7 p.m. at the Middletown Fire Hall at 27 W. Green Street, Middletown, a news release said.

Potassium iodine 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 radius are eligible to receive the tablets.

Recipients must bring a photo identification such as a driver’s license, proof of residency such as a utility bill, or proof of employment within the radius to receive tablets.

Residents who have tablets that are expiring can bring them to the distribution center to exchange for new ones.

The news release said that potassium iodine 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. It 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.

Delaware residents living outside of the 10-mile radius who would like to obtain tablets can contact their pharmacist. Potassium iodine is also available over the counter at some local pharmacies.

For additional information, call the Delaware Emergency Management Agency at 302-659-3362 or visit PrepareDE.org online.