People living in the secondary radiation zone of the Fermi Two nuclear reactor are about to get protection if there's ever an incident.
Potassium Iodide, or KI, pills are being distributed to anyone in Windsor-Essex who wants them.
Radiation Protection Kit, Windsor Essex County Health Unit, October 15, 2018 (by AM800's Peter Langille)
The pills "thyroid-block" any radioactive iodine coming from the plant in an accident scenario.
It keep the radioactivity out of your system and reduces the potential for cancer down the road.
The Windsor Essex County Health Unit is the agency doing the distribution.
Acting Medical Officer of Health Dr. Wajid Ahmed cautions people not to be overly alarmed about the distribution.
"Generally speaking nuclear power plants are relatively safer than many of the other installations. But in the unlikely events if something happens we wanted to be prepared and we want to make sure the community is aware of what their options are"
Health Unit Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Cathy Bennett says people will apply on-line.
Health Unit Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Cathy Bennett, Windsor Essex County Health Unite, October 15, 2018 (by AM800's Peter Langille)
"Your name address, telephone number and email address. You click on submit and that's it. At that point you will pick a pick-up location and we have a variety of locations across Windsor and Essex County. Once you pick your location you will attend that session and you will receive your pills and I will be there to hand them to you"
Bennett says the online applications will be used to create a list.
"Provide some sort of basic identification, you will be on the list you'll check them off and they will receive their pills, it should be a very short process, several minutes. If there's any questions they have they can ask them at that time But the actual community safety guide that goes with the kit is very, very comprehensive "
You can apply starting Wednesday at the www.WECHU.org website.
Residents in the primary zones in Amherstburg have already received their KI pills.