by Sylene Argent
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit hosted a Potassium Iodide (KI) kit distribution event at Essex Fire Station # 1 on Friday afternoon. A similar event was hosted in Harrow last Monday.
Essex Fire Chief Rick Arnel said area residents were able to sign up online to get a KI kit, which could serve from four to six people if there were ever to be a nuclear disaster.
The kit includes the KI pills, which are to only be taken if an alert is issued, and information on how to take them.
The pills (which are free), Arnel said, act as a blocker for the thyroid in preventing the absorption of radioactive iodine, the WHO website notes.
During the distribution event, the Windsor-Essex County Health United explained that the pills need to be stored where it is not too hot or too cold. They are good for seven years, at which point they can be returned for a new kit.
Arnel suggests residents sign up for the Essex Alerts program to get information about emergency situations.
For more information, log onto www.wechu.org/nuclear/potassium-iodide-ki-distribution
Arnel reappointed as Executive Vice President of Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs
On November 22, Essex Fire Chief Rick Arnel was re-elected as Executive Vice President of the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs at the annual AGM. This is the second consecutive time he was appointed to this one-year term position. He has served on this Board for the past nine years.
According to its website, the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs’ mission is to lead innovation and excellence in public and life safety.
Arnel added the Association also advocates on behalf of fire services to the provincial government of issues needing change.