Trump-induced fear sparks long lines for KI pill pickup in Windsor

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People waited in up to hour-long lines Wednesday in Windsor for radiation pills, not just because of a possible nuclear emergency — but because of Donald Trump.

Windsor-Essex residents say the unpredictability of the U.S. president has people wary and wanting to prepare for any eventuality.

“It’s the fear and instability that’s being created,” said Ruth Waltman, through tears. “I probably won’t be here for the results that our children and our grandchildren are going to grow up in.

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“Who knows what kind of world.”

The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit said 494 potassium iodide (KI) pill kits were distributed to folks at the Capri Pizzeria Recreation Complex on Wednesday.

“This is a larger turnout than previous events,” a spokesperson for the health unit said. “I think the lowest event was just over 200 distributed.”

An event last week also saw a similar turnout to Wednesday’s, with 425 kits distributed out at Mackenzie Hall on Feb. 25.

The pills are for use in the event of an emergency for people living in and around the “secondary zone,” which is within 80 kilometres of Michigan’s Enrico Fermi 2 Nuclear Generating Station.

While the level of risk has not changed at Fermi 2, the regulatory framework for Canadian nuclear installations has been updated.

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission has mandated that all residents living within the primary (16.1 km) and secondary zones of Fermi 2 to be as prepared as all other Canadian residents.

That push for preparedness has come amid heightened tensions between Canada and the United States — and those who picked up tablets Wednesday said they’re worried, unclear about what’s coming next.

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“You don’t really know what’s going to happen tomorrow, let alone the next four years,” Chris Kilgore told the star. “So much has happened in such a short time, it could get worse.

“It could get better, but I am going to err on the side of caution. Whether it’s an accident or worse, at least we’re somewhat protected.”

Steve Dufour, leaving the recreation complex with his radiation kit, said he was also concerned about the “unhinged guy at the helm” in the U.S., and the uncertainty he brings for both countries.

“I’ve got a lot of American friends and I feel badly for the people over there,” Dufour said. “I hope the best for them over the next four years.

“Hopefully it doesn’t impact our countries as severely as we might think right now.”

Trump initiated a trade war Tuesday by imposing tariffs of 25 per cent on virtually all Canada- and Mexico-made products being imported into the United States.

Canada’s response was immediate.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, while the LCBO removed American products from its shelves under Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s orders.

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In addition, many Canadian citizens took matters into their own hands, cancelling trips to the U.S. and boycotting American-made products in protest.

“He’s crazy,” said Benedetta Spagnuolo, frustrated after waiting over 35 minutes in line. “We don’t know what he’s going to next.”

Radiation pill pickup 

Potassium iodide pills will be available for pickup from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at two additional Windsor locations in March: 

• March 11 at the Gino and Liz Marcus Community Complex, 1168 Drouillard Rd.
• March 19 at Forest Glade Community Centre, 3215 Forest Glade Dr.

“We can assure the community that there is no concern of running out of KI pills, we have a large stock to draw from,” the health unit said.

“By obtaining new KI Pills, they (residents) will be prepared in the unlikely event of a nuclear emergency.”

The pills should be stored in a safe, dry and accessible place along with a 72-hour emergency kit.

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