Nuclear Preparedness in Connecticut

Nuclear Preparedness in Connecticut / Radiological Emergency Preparedness (Rep)/ Millstone Power Station / Potassium Iodide (KI Tablets)

Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Radiological Emergency Preparedness webpage, has public information available at: https://portal.ct.gov/DEMHS/Emergency-Management/Resources-For-Officials/Radiological-Emergency-Preparedness/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. Taking KI saturates the thyroid with harmless iodine and prevents radioactive iodine from being absorbed.

The State of Connecticut makes potassium iodide tablets 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.

Other Information about KI Tablets:
https://portal.ct.gov/DEMHS/Emergency-Management/Resources-For-Officials/Radiological-Emergency-Preparedness/KI-Potassium-Iodide

If Advised to “Take Shelter”, the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services 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 may not be able to be brought to all 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. 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

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.

SOURCES: Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection
PREPARED BY: 211/tb
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: February2024