War has existed as long as humans have walked the planet. However, there is no doubt that over the past century, war has become increasingly terrifying for civilians, especially since the inception of the nuclear bomb.
Countries all around the world now have nuclear weapons in their arsenals, and many believe that a nuclear war is not only possible, it’s imminent. In response to this reality, experts created a map of the US that shows the states that are most and least likely to be hit by a nuclear bomb. Here’s what you need to know.
Nuclear War Could Be Right Around the Corner
In the 1940s, the US dropped the first nuclear bomb in Hiroshima, Japan, and since that fateful day, countries around the world have dedicated vast resources and funding to creating their own nuclear weapons.
Russia, China, and North Korea, all enemies of the United States, each have more than enough nuclear bombs to cause widespread destruction. If they decided to, any one of these countries could decimate the US in seconds.
The Location of Your Home Could Determine Your Chances for Survival
With this reality in mind, Andrew Ragusa, CEO of REMI Realty on Long Island, New York, created the map showing which states and geographical locations within the United States are the safest and the least safe from a potential nuclear war.
Ragusa explained, “In the event of nuclear war, the location of your home can determine your chances for survival.”
How the Nuclear War Map Was Made
After extensive research, Ragusa and his colleagues deduced that four factors determine whether or not a location would be considered safe during a nuclear attack: population, climate, water access, and proximity to US nuclear holdings.
First, they found that the population in the area is a huge component. Enemies of the US are far more likely to bomb metropolises like New York City, Los Angeles, or Houston, so living in a rural area will fewer people will always be safer than living in a city.
People Living in Warm Areas Are More Likely to Survive a Nuclear Attack
Next, the experts reported that Americans living in warmer or at least temperate climates are far more likely to survive a nuclear attack. Good weather isn’t just enjoyable; it could also be lifesaving.
If a nuclear bomb is dropped somewhere in the United States, power outages could spread throughout the entire country. Therefore, being able to live comfortably without air conditioning or heating would be essential to survival.
Water Access Is Absolutely Essential
However, while temperate weather and low populations are important, water access would be absolutely necessary for survival after a nuclear attack. Specifically, desalinated, drinkable freshwater found in rivers, lakes, or ponds.
Human beings can only go about three days without water, and if the municipal water systems are down, you will need to find access to water as quickly as possible.
Finding a Home Far From a US Nuclear Power Plant
Finally, and maybe most importantly, the safest places to live during a nuclear attack are those far from a US nuclear power plant. As of August 2023, there are 54 nuclear power plants in the United States, and if there were to be an attack, it’s likely that an enemy would target one or more of these factories in order to destroy America’s ability to counter.
Therefore, living as far away as possible from a nuclear power plant drastically increases the likelihood of survival during a nuclear war.
The US States Most Likely to Experience a Nuclear Attack
With this information in mind, experts report that the states most likely to experience a nuclear attack include New York, Maryland, and New Jersey, and those living in the surrounding states in the northeast are certainly at risk.
Additionally, residents of Alabama, Tennessee, Arizona, northern Colorado, and Montana are at risk, as each state houses several nuclear power plants.
Safest Places to Live During a Nuclear Attack
On the other hand, Minnesota, Mississippi, Wisconsin, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, and Arkansas were labeled the safest states to live in during or after a nuclear attack.
Not only do these states have very few or no nuclear power plants, but they also have temperate climates and low populations. And most importantly, they are situated along the Mississippi River, which provides essential drinking water.
Nebraska May Be the Safest State in the United States
Agent Editorial Board chair and real estate expert Jasen Edwards explained that one state, in particular, may be the safest in the entire United States from nuclear war. Edwards said, “The geographical location [of Nebraska] offers protection against nuclear fallout.”
Although the weather in Nebraska can get a little chilly, because of its position along the Mississippi River, its low population, and its distance from any nuclear power plant, Nebraska is one of the safest states in the nation.
The Rocky Mountains Are Also Considered Safe From Nuclear Attack
Edwards also mentioned that the Rocky Mountains, which span through Colorado, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, and Arizona, would likely be safe from a nuclear attack.
He said, “The elevation of the Rocky Mountains means that fallout would be dispersed more quickly and assisted by higher winds, which could help to minimize any radioactive material reaching the area.”
Americans Are Already Choosing Locations Based on This Information
The truth is that, even though no nuclear bomb has ever been dropped on US soil, many Americans are already preparing for the day when one is.
As Ragusa explained, “What used to be important when purchasing a home, such as [a] great school district, close to shopping, and near public transportation, has now changed to warm climate, access to food, and access to water.”
