KI for Businesses

Wake County Human Services is now offering potassium iodide (KI) to businesses located within the Shearon Harris Nuclear Power Plant 10-mile emergency planning zone (EPZ). This is the second phase of KI distribution that began in November 2002 for residents living near Shearon Harris.

Studies have found that KI, taken within a specific time frame after exposure, can protect the thyroid gland from cancer that can be caused by the release of radioactive iodine in some types of nuclear accidents. KI should only be taken if instructed to do so by emergency management officials.  Any evacuation instructions given by emergency management must also be followed—KI does not protect the entire body. 

Human Services will provide employers one tablet per employee based on the number of employees on site during the largest shift. Due to the unique challenges of evacuating those in nursing homes, rest homes and group homes, those facilities will be issued 2 KI tablets per resident.

Employers may send a representative from their business to pick up KI at no charge:

Thursday April 17, 2003
at the W.E. Hunt Community Center
301 Stinson Avenue, Holly Springs.

Information sessions will be held at 9:00 am and 12:00 noon to assist employers at pick-up with questions related to the use, distribution and storage of KI. Employers will also be provided with written instructions and information about radiation emergencies for employees. Wake County Human Services asks that employers pre-register for the information session by calling 250-4555. Employers will be asked to provide the name of their businesses and the number of employees at their largest shifts to facilitate pre-packaging of supplies.  Businesses having questions about the KI pick-up or information sessions can call 250-4555.