In a world where nuclear conflict, while commonly discounted as unlikely, is still a possibility, cities’ resistance to such catastrophic disasters is a strategic goal.
While no city is fully safe, certain urban locations in the United States appear to have a higher chance of survival due to factors like location, infrastructure, and preparedness.
Here, we examine five major U.S. cities that, according to experts and strategic assessments, may have a better chance in the unlikely event of a nuclear strike.
Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu’s geographical seclusion in the middle of the Pacific Ocean may keep it from being a primary target.
Its distance from other important strategic targets on the mainland presents a natural buffer, potentially increasing its odds of survival.
Denver, Colorado
Denver’s high elevation and rugged geography may give some insulation from the initial effects of a nuclear bomb.
Furthermore, the proximity to NORAD’s Cheyenne Mountain Complex suggests a level of military defense infrastructure that could be beneficial.
Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City’s center location, far from coastlines and borders, may make it a less appealing target.
Its strong infrastructure and strategic location may help with post-attack repair and continuance.
Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City’s proximity to numerous underground facilities, combined with the natural barrier provided by the surrounding mountains, may provide some protection against nuclear fallout and blast waves.
Austin, Texas
Austin’s growing tech economy and inland location may be considered as less militarily significant than other cities with higher people or more military capability.
This may lower its chances of being targeted.
Rising Nuclear Risk
Because of their important infrastructure and high population density, Redlener believes these cities are probable prime targets for US security.
He underlines that these communities must do a better job of communicating crucial emergency information to its residents, who would otherwise be unprepared for such an event.
Brooke Buddemeier, a physicist at Lawrence Livermore Laboratory, underlines the necessity of bringing people indoors to dramatically minimize their exposure, highlighting the potentially life-saving implications of even basic knowledge.
Given the low likelihood of such disasters occurring in the future, people must actively educate themselves about disaster preparedness.
Although Redlener recognizes that the identified locations are more vulnerable, he emphasizes that no city is fully safe.
A nuclear explosion in a city like New York could kill tens of thousands of people while injuring hundreds of thousands more.
The actual number of casualties and injuries depends on the time of day and location of the explosion. Being well-prepared is obviously critical for everyone, no matter where they live.
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