Free Potassium Iodide (KI) Tablets Available to EPZ Area Residents
In the event of a serious emergency at a nuclear power plant, one immediate critical safety issue is the release of radioactive iodine, emitting potentially lethal radiation. To protect the thyroid gland, especially in children and any people under 40, potassium iodide (KI) tablets should be ingested within minutes if possible, as directed by public health officials. KI is effective for 24 hours and should be taken until advised otherwise or when leaving the emergency area.
All residents living within 10 miles of Seabrook Station
are eligible to receive FREE potassium iodide (KI) tablets.
KI tablets are most effective when taken shortly after exposure, so it is advisable for people living near a nuclear power plant to obtain the tablets before an emergency and include them in their emergency kit. See below to find out how to access free KI tablets in your community.
How to Access Free KI Tablets
NEW HAMPSHIRE: Requesting potassium iodide (KI) tablets is quick and completed online. Fill out the form linked below, and KI tablets will be mailed to you.
Click here to request KI Tablets in New Hampshire
MASSACHUSETTS: Each EPZ community has their local health department distribute KI tablets to residents. The table below includes contact details and information links for each EPZ community.
Please note: It may be helpful to call ahead to confirm the appropriate staff member is there to help you.
Where to Get Free KI Tablets:
Find your community below.
| Community | Address | Contact | More info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amesbury | 29 South Hunt Road | Deb Ketchen: (978) 300-8159 | Amesbury Public Health Department |
| Merrimac | 2 School Street | Danielle Cataldo: (978) 346-9549 | Merrimac Public Health Department |
| Newbury | 12 Kent Way | Deborah Rogers: (978) 465-0862 | Newbury Public Health Department |
| Newburyport | 60 Pleasant Street | Health Department: (978) 465-4410 | Newburyport Public Health Department |
| Salisbury | 5 Beach Road | Pam Palombo: (978) 462-3430 | Salisbury Public Health Department |
| West Newbury | 381 Main Street | Paul Sevigny: (978) 363-1100 x119 | West Newbury Health Department |
| New Hampshire | There is a KI form to fill out | More information at ReadyNH.gov |
For more info on how potassium iodide works and why it's important to keep some on hand if you live near a nuclear plant, check out Questions and Answers about Potassium Iodide (KI) from the American Thyroid Association.
