(Smyrna) – The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) and the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) will distribute potassium iodide (KI) tablets free of charge to Delaware residents who live or work within 10 miles of the Salem/Hope Creek Nuclear Generating Stations.  KI tablets will be available to those who have received potassium iodide during previous distribution events, and those who have never received potassium iodide. The tablets to be distributed this year will replace the IOSAT 130 mg tablets set to expire beginning September 2014.  KI distribution was conducted on two prior dates this summer.

The final distribution date and location is:

• Thursday, August 28,  9 a.m. – 4 p.m., at Appoquinimink State Service Center, 122 Silver Lake Road, Middletown

KI tablets were supplied to Delaware when the state chose to participate in a program initiated by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The tablets are offered to all states with populations living within a 10-mile radius of a nuclear power facility.

Potassium iodide does not protect against external radiation, but it can help protect the thyroid gland from radioactive iodine that may be released in the event of a radiation emergency and could be ingested or inhaled.  Potassium iodide is a supplement to Delaware’s existing emergency plans developed for use in a nuclear incident.  Evacuation remains the primary method of protecting Delaware residents; the potassium iodide offers additional protection.

In the event of a radiation emergency, state and local officials will inform the public through use of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio stations. Information will include directions to evacuation routes and emergency reception centers, and instructions on when to take the potassium iodide tablets.

All Delaware residents who live within the 10-mile EPZ, and those who work or own businesses within 10 miles of the Salem/Hope Creek Nuclear Generating Stations in New Jersey are eligible for free potassium iodide tablets. They are asked to assist in the distribution efforts by following the guidelines included in an informational mailing that was sent in May.

Those eligible for potassium iodide are asked to bring the informational flyer they received in the mail, photo identification such as a driver’s license, or proof of residency, such as a utility bill. Potassium Iodide that has passed the expiration date should be brought when eligible recipients pick up new tablets.

People residing outside of the ten-mile radius of the Salem/Hope Creek Nuclear Generating Stations and who would like to obtain potassium iodide should contact their pharmacist. Potassium iodide is available over the counter in many local pharmacies.

For additional information regarding the potassium iodide distribution program in Delaware, call the Delaware Emergency Management Agency Radiological Emergency Planning section at 302-659-3362.

(Smyrna) – The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) and the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) will distribute potassium iodide (KI) tablets free of charge to Delaware residents who live or work within 10 miles of the Salem/Hope Creek Nuclear Generating Stations.  KI tablets will be available to those who have received potassium iodide during previous distribution events, and those who have never received potassium iodide. The tablets to be distributed this year will replace the IOSAT 130 mg tablets set to expire beginning September 2014.

The two remaining distribution dates and locations are:

• Thursday, July 31,  12 noon – 8 p.m., at Volunteer Hose Company, 27 W. Main Street, Middletown
• Thursday, August 28,  9 a.m. – 4 p.m., at Appoquinimink State Service Center, 122 Silver Lake Road, Middletown

KI tablets were supplied to Delaware when the state chose to participate in a program initiated by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The tablets are offered to all states with populations living within a 10-mile radius of a nuclear power facility.

Potassium iodide does not protect against external radiation, but it can help protect the thyroid gland from radioactive iodine that may be released in the event of a radiation emergency and could be ingested or inhaled.  Potassium iodide is a supplement to Delaware’s existing emergency plans developed for use in a nuclear incident.  Evacuation remains the primary method of protecting Delaware residents; the potassium iodide offers additional protection.

In the event of a radiation emergency, state and local officials will inform the public through use of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio stations. Information will include directions to evacuation routes and emergency reception centers, and instructions on when to take the potassium iodide tablets.

All Delaware residents who live within the 10-mile EPZ, and those who work or own businesses within 10 miles of the Salem/Hope Creek Nuclear Generating Stations in New Jersey are eligible for free potassium iodide tablets. They are asked to assist in the distribution efforts by following the guidelines included in an informational mailing that was sent in May.

Those eligible for potassium iodide are asked to bring the informational flyer they received in the mail, photo identification such as a driver’s license, or proof of residency, such as a utility bill. Potassium Iodide that has passed the expiration date should be brought when eligible recipients pick up new tablets.

People residing outside of the ten-mile radius of the Salem/Hope Creek Nuclear Generating Stations and who would like to obtain potassium iodide should contact their pharmacist. Potassium iodide is available over the counter in many local pharmacies.

For additional information regarding the potassium iodide distribution program in Delaware, call the Delaware Emergency Management Agency Radiological Emergency Planning section at 302-659-3362.

(Smyrna) – The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) and Delaware State Police will conduct a quarterly test of the Salem/Hope Creek Nuclear Generating Stations Alert and notification system on Tuesday, July 8, 2014.  Sirens will sound between 5:00pm and 9:00pm.

The 37 sirens located within ten miles of the Salem/Hope Creek (New Jersey) plants will be activated for three to five minutes.  The siren tests will be followed by a test message of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) on local radio stations.

Sirens that will be tested are the same sirens that would alert the public in the event of an actual emergency at either the Salem or Hope Creek Nuclear Generating Stations.  In such an emergency, the public would be alerted by the sirens to tune radios to one of the local EAS stations for important emergency instructions.

(Smyrna) –  The Delaware Council of Faith Based Partnerships (DCFBP) will host a half-day workshop on Wednesday, June 18, 2014, at the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) offices  in Smyrna.  The Delaware Citizen Corps, which coordinates activities and training for volunteers during emergencies, is working with the DCFBP to conduct the workshop.

The workshop is scheduled to begin with networking and a luncheon at 11:30am.  Delaware Governor Jack Markell, who created the DCFBP through an executive order, will be in attendance and is scheduled to address workshop attendees.  The Reverend David L. Myers, Senior Advisor to the Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator, and Director, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Center for Faith-based Partnerships, is scheduled to speak to attendees.

Workshop participants will receive an overview of DEMA and its functions during emergency events.  Attendees will also be given an overview of Citizen Corps and Citizen Emergency Response Teams (CERT).  Other workshop topics include: Individual and Family Preparedness, Preparing Houses of Worship for Emergencies, and Service and Partnership Opportunities.

Members of the DCFBP are appointed by the Governor and Lt. Governor and serve as interfaith volunteers.  The Council operates without state funding and partners with government agencies and non-profit groups to address community needs.  Currently, the following faiths are represented on the Council:  African Methodist Episcopal, Baptist, Episcopalian, Jewish, Latter-day Saints (Mormon), Muslim, Presbyterian and Roman Catholic.

Interested parties can still register to attend the workshop by email by contacting de.cfbp@gmail.com, or by phoning Flora McConkie (302) 633-4825.  There is no fee to attend the workshop.  Seating is limited and reservations close on June 16.

Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30

WILMINGTON, Del. — Today, Delaware Governor Jack Markell and U.S. Sen. Tom Carper joined the American Red Cross, the Delaware Emergency Management Agency and the Delaware Department of Homeland Security to urge Delawareans to prepare themselves, their families, and their businesses for the 2014 hurricane storm season. The Atlantic and Caribbean Hurricane season begins June 1 and runs through November 30.

 “Hurricanes have resulted in real damage to homes and businesses across the state in recent years, but we’ve also limited the damage because of the support we have received from the public in prevention and response efforts” said Governor Jack Markell.  “Our best defense is to be well prepared before any storm arrives and we all have a role to play. Keeping our communities as safe as possible requires advanced coordination and cooperation among state government, the general public and organizations like the Red Cross.”

“If the superstorms of the last several years have taught us anything, it’s to be prepared for everything,” said Sen. Carper, chairman of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. “Now is the time to protect your homes, businesses and property from severe weather.”

“Being prepared and staying well informed through local media and DEMA’s web site is most important in keeping our families and neighbors safe during severe weather events. Our citizens must prepare now for this year’s hurricane season so that they know what to do before, during and after a hurricane strikes,” said Delaware Safety and Homeland Security Secretary Lewis D. Schiliro.

 A 2013 survey by the American Red Cross and The Weather Channel found that few Americans living in coastal counties have taken necessary action to prepare for severe tropical storms and hurricanes. Only about half of those surveyed have an evacuation plan or a plan for communicating with family members if they are separated. Nearly a third of people did not have an emergency kit with supplies.

 “The importance of maintaining and sustaining your knowledge of your community, hazards, home, neighbors, your planning efforts, and maintaining and sustaining knowledge of storm impacts are the primary areas of consideration that will assist you in making decisions to preserve your personal safety and that of your family and your neighbors, said Jamie Turner, director of the Delaware Emergency Management Agency. “Have a plan, have a kit; exercise and update both on an annual basis.”

 “Preparedness is critical when it comes to life-threatening disasters such as hurricanes,” said Patrick Delaney, CEO, American Red Cross Delmarva Region. “It’s important families and individuals make time to build an emergency kit, create an evacuation plan, and download the Red Cross Hurricane App to help make it through the next storm safely.”

 Even communities far inland from the coast can experience hurricanes depending on the course of the storm, often with the threat of powerful winds and widespread flooding. In addition, strong rip currents even at large distances from the storm can threaten those at the beach many miles away.

 PREPARE BEFORE THE STORM

Hurricanes are powerful and dangerous storms. They can bring heavy rains that cause major flooding, destructive winds that down power lines, uproot trees and damage homes, and storm surges that travel several miles inland destroying everything in its path.

As hurricane season approaches, it is important to know the difference between the threat levels.

•  A Hurricane Watch is when conditions are a threat within 48 hours. It’s then time to review your hurricane plans. Get ready to act if a warning is issued, and stay informed.

•  A Hurricane Warning is when conditions are expected within 36 hours. It’s then time to complete your storm preparations and leave the area if directed to do so by authorities.

Now is the time for families and individual to build an emergency kit and create an evacuation plan.  For more information, go to http://www.ready.gov/american-red-cross or www.dema.delaware.gov.