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NUCLEAR
PREPAREDNESS IN CONNECTICUT
RADIOLOGICAL EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS (REP)
MILLSTONE POWER STATION
POTASSIUM IODIDE (KI TABLETS)
CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT AND HOMELAND SECURITY FACT SHEETS :
RADIOLOGICAL
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
KI TABLETS/POTASSIUM IODIDE
Potassium iodide, also known as KI, is a form of
iodine. KI helps protect your thyroid gland when
there is a chance you might be exposed to a
harmful amount of radioactive iodine. The thyroid
gland uses iodine to make hormones that control
your body’s metabolism. Radioactive iodine can
harm your thyroid gland and can increase your risk
of developing thyroid cancer years after exposure.
The State of Connecticut makes potassium iodide
tablets (brand name IOSATTM) available to
residents and workers within the 10-mile emergency
planning zone (EPZ) around Millstone Power Station
in Waterford, Connecticut. The affected
communities include: East Lyme, Old Lyme,
Waterford, New London, Groton City, Groton Town,
Fishers Island, NY, and portions of Lyme,
Montville, Ledyard.
KI may be obtained by anyone, but it will only be
provided in advance, and free of charge, to those
within the EPZ.
OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT KI TABLETS:
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/radiation/ki.asp
SHELTER AND EVACUATION PROCEDURES IN THE
EVENT OF A RADIOLOGICAL ACCIDENT:
http://www.ct.gov/demhs/cwp/view.asp?a=1929&q=287962
If Advised to "Take Shelter", the Conecticut
Department of Emergency Management recommends:
- If
driving, close windows and/or vents and turn
off the air conditioner or heater. Go home or
to a public building.
- Go
inside and close all windows and doors.
- Turn
off all devices that draw outside air.
- Extinguish
stove or fireplace fires and close flues when
possible.
- Keep
pets indoors.
- Do
not use the telephone.
- Keep
phone lines open for emergency personnel.
- Continue
to monitor your local EAS radio or TV
stations.
- If
you know of neighbors or co-workers with
language or hearing difficulties please inform
them of this situation
Evacuation
If you are located in an area that has
been advised to "Evacuate",
please be aware that state and local plans were
developed and are in place to assure your
safety. Each community within the 10-mile radius
of the nuclear power facility has been assigned
to one of five Connecticut communities
predesignated as a Host Community. These Host
Communities have agreed to receive and shelter
individuals who have been told to evacuate their
homes or the area. When directed to evacuate,
please carry out the following:
- Gather
together those household members who are
present.
- Pack
the following items, as necessary:
- clothing,
- money,
credit cards, checkbook
- prescription
medicine or special medical equipment and
potassium iodide (KI) if on hand.
- blankets,
pillows, soap, towels, toiletries diapers,
bottles, milk/baby formula
- identification
and important personal papers
- portable
radio, flashlight, batteries.
- Close
and lock all windows and doors.
- Turn
off devices that draw outside air.
- Turn
off lights and electrical appliances (except
refrigerator and freezer).
- Since
pets cannot be brought to Red Cross
Shelters try to make other arrangements,
such as staying with family or friends. Some
hotels or motels waive "no pet" provisions
during an emergency. If you must leave your
pet behind, make sure you leave plenty of food
and water and your pet’s favorite toys and
bedding.
- See
if your neighbors need a ride -- carpool with
them if necessary.
- Try
not to use your telephone. Keep phone lines
open for emergency personnel.
- Go
to your assigned Host Community Reception
Center. Evacuation routes are described on
pages 2 and 3 of the yellow pages in those
telephone directories within a 10 mile radius
around Millstone. If you are not near a
telephone book, the local Emergency Broadcast
System (EAS) television or radio stations will
be giving the instructions. Continue to listen
to a local EAS radio station while you are in
your vehicle.
EVACUATION ROUTES
MILLSTONE: Specific instructions for
residents of the 10 town area around Millstone
Power Station:
http://www.ct.gov/demhs/cwp/view.asp?a=1929&q=287968
ALL TOWNS: In general, if an
evacuation is ordered for any town, the evacuation
routes and destinations will be broadcast via the
emergency broadcast system. If you know of
neighbors or co-workers with language or hearing
difficulties please inform them of any evacuation
information that you hear from an emergency
broadcasting system.
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SOURCES:
Connecticut
Department of Emergency Management and
Homeland Security;
The
Connecticut Department of Public Health's "Connecticut Guide to
Emergency Preparedness"
PREPARED BY: 211/tb
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: January2012
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