HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — The Pennsylvania Department of Health is once again providing free potassium iodide tablets to help residents of the commonwealth prepare for public health emergencies involving nuclear facilities.

People who live, work or attend school within a 10-mile radius of the state's five nuclear power plants can get the tablets, which can help protect the thyroid gland against harmful radioactive iodine.

The tablets will be distributed Aug. 9 at 14 locations statewide, or can be obtained at state, county or municipal health agencies

Four 65-milligram tablets will be provided to each adult. Smaller doses will be given to children based on their age.

The department says people should only take potassium iodide tablets when directed to do so by health officials or the governor.