The state's Department of Health will provide free potassium iodide tablets Thursday to residents who live within a 10-mile radius of Three Mile Island Nuclear Generating Station or Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station.

The pills, to be taken during a radiological emergency, can help protect the thyroid gland against harmful radioactive iodine.

Four 65-milligram tablets will be given to each adult, with smaller doses given to children based on age.

Residents can pick up tablets for other family members or those who are unable to pick them up on their own.

The tablets will be available 3-7 p.m. Thursday at Citizens Volunteer Fire Co., 171 S. Market St., Fawn Grove; Fishing Creek Salem United Methodist Church, 402 Valley Road, Etters; and Union Fire Co. No. 1 at 201 York St. in Manchester.

People who are unable to get tablets during the distribution can pick them up any time at county and municipal health departments or state health centers.