The worst-case scenario finally  happened. The bombs are in the air,  
The worst-case scenario finally  happened. The bombs are in the air,  

and in a matter of minutes the United States  will be hit by a nuclear attack. Millions  
and in a matter of minutes the United States  will be hit by a nuclear attack. Millions  

are in danger - along with the entire  future of the United States government.
are in danger - along with the entire  future of the United States government.

What now?
What now?

This isn’t the first time the threat of nuclear  annihilation was high on the government’s mind.  
This isn’t the first time the threat of nuclear  annihilation was high on the government’s mind.  

Ever since the United States beat the Nazis  to the bomb and was followed by the Soviets  
Ever since the United States beat the Nazis  to the bomb and was followed by the Soviets  

only years later, the government has been  preparing for the worst-case scenario of  
only years later, the government has been  preparing for the worst-case scenario of  

a nuclear strike on the homeland. Initially, the  threat was the Soviet Union - the United States’  
a nuclear strike on the homeland. Initially, the  threat was the Soviet Union - the United States’  

arch-nemesis - but now the threat of nuclear  attack comes from China, Russia, North Korea,  
arch-nemesis - but now the threat of nuclear  attack comes from China, Russia, North Korea,  

Pakistan, rising powers like Iran, and even  international terror groups. No one knows  
Pakistan, rising powers like Iran, and even  international terror groups. No one knows  

whether any of these besides the first two even  have the capability to hit the United States.
whether any of these besides the first two even  have the capability to hit the United States.

But the government is not  looking to test their luck.
But the government is not  looking to test their luck.

After the September 11th terror attacks,  
After the September 11th terror attacks,  

the government quickly moved to plan for  all eventualities and have a plan of action  
the government quickly moved to plan for  all eventualities and have a plan of action  

in case of worst-case scenarios. There are  multiple scenarios created by the Department  
in case of worst-case scenarios. There are  multiple scenarios created by the Department  

of Homeland Security - and a nuclear attack  is National Response Scenario #1. Ominously,  
of Homeland Security - and a nuclear attack  is National Response Scenario #1. Ominously,  

the scenarios are ranked by how likely they  are to occur - which means the government  
the scenarios are ranked by how likely they  are to occur - which means the government  

thinks that a nuclear attack on the homeland is  the most likely catastrophic scenario to occur.
thinks that a nuclear attack on the homeland is  the most likely catastrophic scenario to occur.

And dealing with it will not be simple.
And dealing with it will not be simple.

The government’s first step is to try  to keep a lid on the nuclear threat,  
The government’s first step is to try  to keep a lid on the nuclear threat,  

and that is a lot more complicated than it used  to be. In the Cold War, keeping the nukes from  
and that is a lot more complicated than it used  to be. In the Cold War, keeping the nukes from  

being launched usually meant talking to one man  - the Premiere of the Soviet Union. While other  
being launched usually meant talking to one man  - the Premiere of the Soviet Union. While other  

countries had nuclear weapons, they were usually  firmly aligned with one of the two sides. Now,  
countries had nuclear weapons, they were usually  firmly aligned with one of the two sides. Now,  

with India and Pakistan both having nukes and  being in a low-boil state of war with each other,  
with India and Pakistan both having nukes and  being in a low-boil state of war with each other,  

plus the notoriously unstable Kim regime  testing missiles all the time, there are  
plus the notoriously unstable Kim regime  testing missiles all the time, there are  

far more variables. And with the collapse of the  Soviet Union and instability in other regimes  
far more variables. And with the collapse of the  Soviet Union and instability in other regimes  

means it’s possible for nuclear weapons and  dirty bombs to wind up on the black market.
means it’s possible for nuclear weapons and  dirty bombs to wind up on the black market.

Which means that nuclear weapons could  hit the homeland in more ways than one.
Which means that nuclear weapons could  hit the homeland in more ways than one.

The biggest threat is long-range nuclear  missiles, which carry the biggest payload.  
The biggest threat is long-range nuclear  missiles, which carry the biggest payload.  

It’s believed that only Russia and China have  the ability to hit the US this way - with  
It’s believed that only Russia and China have  the ability to hit the US this way - with  

North Korea working hard to join the club. Other  countries’ nuclear missiles are mostly designed  
North Korea working hard to join the club. Other  countries’ nuclear missiles are mostly designed  

to deal with threats in their backyard.  While this is the most predictable threat,  
to deal with threats in their backyard.  While this is the most predictable threat,  

it’s also the most dangerous - these are  the missiles that will carry the biggest  
it’s also the most dangerous - these are  the missiles that will carry the biggest  

payload and could annihilate a whole metro  area in a single hit. The United States,  
payload and could annihilate a whole metro  area in a single hit. The United States,  

Russia, and China each have enough of these to  annihilate life on earth several times over.
Russia, and China each have enough of these to  annihilate life on earth several times over.

Which is why an early warning system is key.
Which is why an early warning system is key.

The United States, Canada, and Denmark  developed a radar system during the Cold  
The United States, Canada, and Denmark  developed a radar system during the Cold  

War to warn of incoming Soviet missiles.  Because the shortest route for a Soviet  
War to warn of incoming Soviet missiles.  Because the shortest route for a Soviet  

missile was through the North Pole, they built  the infrastructure throughout the Arctic. Those  
missile was through the North Pole, they built  the infrastructure throughout the Arctic. Those  

systems were the building blocks for ballistic  missile warning systems around the world,  
systems were the building blocks for ballistic  missile warning systems around the world,  

and they’re still in play today - although  they’re not foolproof. During the Cold War,  
and they’re still in play today - although  they’re not foolproof. During the Cold War,  

there were several false alarms of incoming  missiles, and nuclear war was only averted by  
there were several false alarms of incoming  missiles, and nuclear war was only averted by  

cool-headed commanders who often defied protocol  to hold off on launching a full scale response.  
cool-headed commanders who often defied protocol  to hold off on launching a full scale response.  

And even in the modern day, there were false  alarms - in 2018, residents of Hawaii received  
And even in the modern day, there were false  alarms - in 2018, residents of Hawaii received  

an emergency text about an incoming ballistic  missile, sending most of the island into a panic.
an emergency text about an incoming ballistic  missile, sending most of the island into a panic.

Those were false alarms - but the  real one could come at any minute.
Those were false alarms - but the  real one could come at any minute.

In the event of an actual nuclear attack,  the government has many plans to keep things  
In the event of an actual nuclear attack,  the government has many plans to keep things  

running. The first priority is to ensure the  safety of the President and the key to the  
running. The first priority is to ensure the  safety of the President and the key to the  

United States’ defense - the nuclear football.  Despite what the media wants you to think,  
United States’ defense - the nuclear football.  Despite what the media wants you to think,  

there is no briefcase with a big button to launch  the nukes - which is probably a good thing,  
there is no briefcase with a big button to launch  the nukes - which is probably a good thing,  

given how some Presidents might have hit it  because someone insulted them on Twitter.  
given how some Presidents might have hit it  because someone insulted them on Twitter.  

Instead, to launch nuclear weapons,  the president uses the briefcase to  
Instead, to launch nuclear weapons,  the president uses the briefcase to  

communicate with the Pentagon from  anywhere and give his instructions.
communicate with the Pentagon from  anywhere and give his instructions.

And his orders are absolute.
And his orders are absolute.

The President’s orders are authenticated through  the Pentagon, but their only purpose is to confirm  
The President’s orders are authenticated through  the Pentagon, but their only purpose is to confirm  

that the President is the one giving the orders.  Once the President gives the command to launch  
that the President is the one giving the orders.  Once the President gives the command to launch  

nuclear weapons in retaliation of an attack - or  as a first strike - the Pentagon has no authority  
nuclear weapons in retaliation of an attack - or  as a first strike - the Pentagon has no authority  

to deny the order. They confirm the President’s  identity including the current nuclear codes,  
to deny the order. They confirm the President’s  identity including the current nuclear codes,  

and launch. Some have said this  gives the President too much power,  
and launch. Some have said this  gives the President too much power,  

with Major Harold Hering pointing out some  of the flaws in the program during the Cold  
with Major Harold Hering pointing out some  of the flaws in the program during the Cold  

War. He was promptly removed from the missile  training program for asking too many questions.
War. He was promptly removed from the missile  training program for asking too many questions.

But before the missiles launch,  the President has to be kept alive.
But before the missiles launch,  the President has to be kept alive.

Once it’s clear that the missiles are in the air,  the President will immediately be spirited away  
Once it’s clear that the missiles are in the air,  the President will immediately be spirited away  

to an emergency bunker - whatever the closest  one to his location is. This is likely to be  
to an emergency bunker - whatever the closest  one to his location is. This is likely to be  

a short and easy trip, because the government has  dozens of these bunkers around the country - each  
a short and easy trip, because the government has  dozens of these bunkers around the country - each  

equipped to be both a local command center for the  President, and a place where the survivors can be  
equipped to be both a local command center for the  President, and a place where the survivors can be  

kept alive long-term. These bunkers are where the  worst-case scenario plays out - if life on the  
kept alive long-term. These bunkers are where the  worst-case scenario plays out - if life on the  

surface becomes impossible due to nuclear fallout,  the US government can survive underground.
surface becomes impossible due to nuclear fallout,  the US government can survive underground.

And some of these facilities are massive.
And some of these facilities are massive.

While most of these - and their locations - are  kept secret, the largest are well-known. But that  
While most of these - and their locations - are  kept secret, the largest are well-known. But that  

doesn’t mean you can get in to take a tour.  Raven Rock, located in southern Pennsylvania,  
doesn’t mean you can get in to take a tour.  Raven Rock, located in southern Pennsylvania,  

is a massive US military installation that serves  as a command center for the Armed Forces. Each of  
is a massive US military installation that serves  as a command center for the Armed Forces. Each of  

the four branches have a base here, along with  Mount Weather in Virginia and Cheyenne Mountain  
the four branches have a base here, along with  Mount Weather in Virginia and Cheyenne Mountain  

in Colorado. All three are built into mountains  and are massive, looking more like a city than an  
in Colorado. All three are built into mountains  and are massive, looking more like a city than an  

office building. The only people who have access  to these centers are essential military personnel  
office building. The only people who have access  to these centers are essential military personnel  

who have high enough clearance to access the core  of the government’s nuclear preparedness plan.
who have high enough clearance to access the core  of the government’s nuclear preparedness plan.

But what if the President can’t be saved?
But what if the President can’t be saved?

No one knows where the first missile will  hit, and it’s possible that the President,  
No one knows where the first missile will  hit, and it’s possible that the President,  

the Vice President, and the leaders of  Congress - the Speaker of the House and  
the Vice President, and the leaders of  Congress - the Speaker of the House and  

the President Pro Tempore - will be at ground  zero when a nuclear attack hits Washington.  
the President Pro Tempore - will be at ground  zero when a nuclear attack hits Washington.  

This could throw the US government into chaos,  with no clear leader - which is why the order of  
This could throw the US government into chaos,  with no clear leader - which is why the order of  

succession is locked into the Constitution.  If the first four leaders are wiped out,  
succession is locked into the Constitution.  If the first four leaders are wiped out,  

the order of succession starts working  its way down the Cabinet, starting with  
the order of succession starts working  its way down the Cabinet, starting with  

the Secretary of State and moving down by when  the Cabinet positions were created. That makes  
the Secretary of State and moving down by when  the Cabinet positions were created. That makes  

the Secretary of Homeland Security last in  line, since they hold the most recent seat.
the Secretary of Homeland Security last in  line, since they hold the most recent seat.

And the government takes great care to  ensure it’s never completely wiped out.
And the government takes great care to  ensure it’s never completely wiped out.

The entire line of succession is never in  the same place at the same time, and this  
The entire line of succession is never in  the same place at the same time, and this  

most often comes into play with the State  of the Union address. One cabinet official  
most often comes into play with the State  of the Union address. One cabinet official  

is always chosen to stay behind and hold down  the fort in a safe location in case an attack  
is always chosen to stay behind and hold down  the fort in a safe location in case an attack  

wipes out Congress - the Designated Survivor.  This is an orderly way of handling things,  
wipes out Congress - the Designated Survivor.  This is an orderly way of handling things,  

but in the event of a nuclear attack, it’s  more likely to come down to whoever happens  
but in the event of a nuclear attack, it’s  more likely to come down to whoever happens  

to be the luckiest. So the Military’s first task  in the event of an unexpected attack might be to  
to be the luckiest. So the Military’s first task  in the event of an unexpected attack might be to  

track down the survivor who’s first in line  - and let them know they’re now President.
track down the survivor who’s first in line  - and let them know they’re now President.

Well, good, the President is secure -  whoever it is. What about the rest of us?
Well, good, the President is secure -  whoever it is. What about the rest of us?

Back when nuclear weapons were first developed,  the plans to survive an attack were rudimentary  
Back when nuclear weapons were first developed,  the plans to survive an attack were rudimentary  

at best. People built bomb shelters, but  it’s not clear if any of them actually  
at best. People built bomb shelters, but  it’s not clear if any of them actually  

could have withstood a nuclear blast. As for  the government, they knew that people would  
could have withstood a nuclear blast. As for  the government, they knew that people would  

likely only have minutes of warning before  Soviet weapons hit - and very few places  
likely only have minutes of warning before  Soviet weapons hit - and very few places  

to hide. So their advice was…to get under your  desk. American schoolchildren during the 1950s  
to hide. So their advice was…to get under your  desk. American schoolchildren during the 1950s  

became very acquainted with the “duck and  cover” drill, which joined the iconic fire  
became very acquainted with the “duck and  cover” drill, which joined the iconic fire  

drill in regular routines. Was hiding under  your desk going to make a difference in a  
drill in regular routines. Was hiding under  your desk going to make a difference in a  

nuclear attack? Of course not! But it made people  feel like they had more control over their fate,  
nuclear attack? Of course not! But it made people  feel like they had more control over their fate,  

so it might have done its job at the time.  And hey, it was promoted by a cartoon turtle.
so it might have done its job at the time.  And hey, it was promoted by a cartoon turtle.

Photo Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duck_and_Cover_(film)#/media/File:Bert2.png
Photo Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duck_and_Cover_(film)#/media/File:Bert2.png

But in the event of an actual nuclear strike,  
But in the event of an actual nuclear strike,  

the government did have plans to  try to preserve what it could.
the government did have plans to  try to preserve what it could.

Communication will be key in the  immediate aftermath of a nuclear attack,  
Communication will be key in the  immediate aftermath of a nuclear attack,  

so who gets put in charge? Not the Department  of Defense, surprisingly - the Environmental  
so who gets put in charge? Not the Department  of Defense, surprisingly - the Environmental  

Protection Agency. This is because the  biggest threat after the initial blasts  
Protection Agency. This is because the  biggest threat after the initial blasts  

will be the radiation in the air. Anyone who  is caught in the immediate blast radius is  
will be the radiation in the air. Anyone who  is caught in the immediate blast radius is  

gone and those who did manage to get far  enough from the blast will not last long  
gone and those who did manage to get far  enough from the blast will not last long  

without the government’s help. But in the  aftermath, knowing what to do might make  
without the government’s help. But in the  aftermath, knowing what to do might make  

the difference between survival and  dying of radiation sickness. So the  
the difference between survival and  dying of radiation sickness. So the  

EPA has released a series of scripts designed to  guide people through the aftermath of an attack.
EPA has released a series of scripts designed to  guide people through the aftermath of an attack.

Some of them are common-sense - and some  may keep people from making fatal mistakes.
Some of them are common-sense - and some  may keep people from making fatal mistakes.

The scripts tell people how to get their hands  on food and water, and warn them to get as far  
The scripts tell people how to get their hands  on food and water, and warn them to get as far  

away from the blast site. They also warn people  to avoid public spaces, as the risk of making  
away from the blast site. They also warn people  to avoid public spaces, as the risk of making  

your way to the hospital or fire station is too  high to take unless you have a pressing medical  
your way to the hospital or fire station is too  high to take unless you have a pressing medical  

emergency. Surprisingly, they say that if you’re  in your car when the bombs hit, that’s the safest  
emergency. Surprisingly, they say that if you’re  in your car when the bombs hit, that’s the safest  

place to be - it may be tempting to abandon the  car and seek a safer place, but the car actually  
place to be - it may be tempting to abandon the  car and seek a safer place, but the car actually  

shields you quite well from outside radiation, so  hunkering down in your car might be your best bet.
shields you quite well from outside radiation, so  hunkering down in your car might be your best bet.

But advice can only go so far.
But advice can only go so far.

The government is prepared for all eventualities,  
The government is prepared for all eventualities,  

and even thought the risk of nuclear  war has declined since the Cold War,  
and even thought the risk of nuclear  war has declined since the Cold War,  

they’re staying stocked with medication that could  alleviate sickness in the aftermath of a nuclear  
they’re staying stocked with medication that could  alleviate sickness in the aftermath of a nuclear  

attack. This is part of the Strategic National  Stockpile, a cache of emergency medication stored  
attack. This is part of the Strategic National  Stockpile, a cache of emergency medication stored  

for a disaster. This stockpile is spread out among  a network of warehouses around the United States,  
for a disaster. This stockpile is spread out among  a network of warehouses around the United States,  

and could be used to respond to a sudden  disease outbreak or natural disaster,  
and could be used to respond to a sudden  disease outbreak or natural disaster,  

but the most important part of the cache is  its stock of medicine designed to help with  
but the most important part of the cache is  its stock of medicine designed to help with  

radiation sickness. Of course, this doesn’t  help the people caught at ground zero,  
radiation sickness. Of course, this doesn’t  help the people caught at ground zero,  

or those who receive a fatal dose, but it could  help to reduce casualties in the aftermath.
or those who receive a fatal dose, but it could  help to reduce casualties in the aftermath.

And who would be handling the distribution?
And who would be handling the distribution?

That would be the one organization  everyone hopes is wasting taxpayer  
That would be the one organization  everyone hopes is wasting taxpayer  

money - because they’ll only have something to  do in the aftermath of a massive disaster. The  
money - because they’ll only have something to  do in the aftermath of a massive disaster. The  

Public Health Emergency Medical Countermeasures  Enterprise, or the tongue-twisting acronym PHEMCE,  
Public Health Emergency Medical Countermeasures  Enterprise, or the tongue-twisting acronym PHEMCE,  

is the government’s last-resort agency in  the event of a nuclear disaster. This is  
is the government’s last-resort agency in  the event of a nuclear disaster. This is  

especially important because it’s possible some  agencies might be wiped out by the attack and  
especially important because it’s possible some  agencies might be wiped out by the attack and  

others might be unable to communicate due  to infrastructure being destroyed. So this  
others might be unable to communicate due  to infrastructure being destroyed. So this  

division will coordinate between around a  dozen government agencies, including the  
division will coordinate between around a  dozen government agencies, including the  

CDC and Defense department. The goal will be to  get supplies and medication out to the people,  
CDC and Defense department. The goal will be to  get supplies and medication out to the people,  

communicate safety measures, figure out where  the attack came from - and decide on a response.
communicate safety measures, figure out where  the attack came from - and decide on a response.

But there’s only so much the government can do.
But there’s only so much the government can do.

The government does have bunkers around the  country, with Raven Rock being the biggest  
The government does have bunkers around the  country, with Raven Rock being the biggest  

and most secure. No one is sure exactly how  many there are or what their capacity is,  
and most secure. No one is sure exactly how  many there are or what their capacity is,  

but it’s become clear that in the event of a  large-scale nuclear disaster, it’ll be impossible  
but it’s become clear that in the event of a  large-scale nuclear disaster, it’ll be impossible  

to save everyone. During the 1950s, the bombs  were smaller and slower and we were more likely  
to save everyone. During the 1950s, the bombs  were smaller and slower and we were more likely  

to have advanced warning. No country had nearly  as many nukes as they do today, and the population  
to have advanced warning. No country had nearly  as many nukes as they do today, and the population  

of the United States was much smaller. Then the  bombs kept growing and growing, and so did the  
of the United States was much smaller. Then the  bombs kept growing and growing, and so did the  

population. Weapons were developed that could  wipe out whole cities in a matter of seconds.
population. Weapons were developed that could  wipe out whole cities in a matter of seconds.

And so the plan changed.
And so the plan changed.

During the Reagan Administration, two influential  men were brought in to meet with the President.  
During the Reagan Administration, two influential  men were brought in to meet with the President.  

Their names? Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld.  While they would become famous - or infamous - a  
Their names? Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld.  While they would become famous - or infamous - a  

few decades later, they were only trusted advisors  now, and Reagan wanted them to develop a Cold War  
few decades later, they were only trusted advisors  now, and Reagan wanted them to develop a Cold War  

strategy to ensure the survival of US leadership  during a nuclear war. Tensions with the Soviet  
strategy to ensure the survival of US leadership  during a nuclear war. Tensions with the Soviet  

Union were heating up again, and a nuclear war  could break out at any time. So every year,  
Union were heating up again, and a nuclear war  could break out at any time. So every year,  

they would head off on a secret mission  to plan an escape route for the line  
they would head off on a secret mission  to plan an escape route for the line  

of succession. While the plan is highly  classified, it’s believed that it involved  
of succession. While the plan is highly  classified, it’s believed that it involved  

the key officials being split up and flown to  separate bunkers - with each team including a  
the key officials being split up and flown to  separate bunkers - with each team including a  

Cabinet member and officials representing  the Defense Department, State Department,  
Cabinet member and officials representing  the Defense Department, State Department,  

and the CIA. So no matter who survived, the  infrastructure would be there to take command.
and the CIA. So no matter who survived, the  infrastructure would be there to take command.

But what would life be like  for those who survived?
But what would life be like  for those who survived?

The plan was for an extended stay underground  in the bunkers, which would be well-stocked  
The plan was for an extended stay underground  in the bunkers, which would be well-stocked  

with the basics of survival - and not much  else. Life down there would be spartan,  
with the basics of survival - and not much  else. Life down there would be spartan,  

with food likely being strictly rationed  for long-term survival and designed to  
with food likely being strictly rationed  for long-term survival and designed to  

be shelf-stable - because its job was to sit  there until it was needed. During the 1950s,  
be shelf-stable - because its job was to sit  there until it was needed. During the 1950s,  

the government initially urged people to keep  a week’s supply of canned goods on hand in case  
the government initially urged people to keep  a week’s supply of canned goods on hand in case  

of a nuclear event - but more research showed  this wouldn’t provide much beyond a stay of  
of a nuclear event - but more research showed  this wouldn’t provide much beyond a stay of  

execution. Much more would be needed if a  family wanted to survive a nuclear attack.
execution. Much more would be needed if a  family wanted to survive a nuclear attack.

So the Government began  preparing emergency rations.
So the Government began  preparing emergency rations.

The solution? The All-Purpose Survival Cracker,  a hard and mostly tasteless cracker made out  
The solution? The All-Purpose Survival Cracker,  a hard and mostly tasteless cracker made out  

of bulgur wheat. It came in individual packets  along with a tiny hard candy that was called a  
of bulgur wheat. It came in individual packets  along with a tiny hard candy that was called a  

carbohydrate supplement. They were designed to be  shelf-stable, but they didn’t last forever - when  
carbohydrate supplement. They were designed to be  shelf-stable, but they didn’t last forever - when  

there was an attempt to use the crackers in the  1970s in disaster zones, it was clear they had  
there was an attempt to use the crackers in the  1970s in disaster zones, it was clear they had  

long since expired. They were designed for a time  when nuclear war felt very real, almost expected,  
long since expired. They were designed for a time  when nuclear war felt very real, almost expected,  

but when the apocalypse didn’t happen, they  fell out of use and production stopped. Today,  
but when the apocalypse didn’t happen, they  fell out of use and production stopped. Today,  

they’re really not needed - the selection of  cheap, accessible canned foods that can last  
they’re really not needed - the selection of  cheap, accessible canned foods that can last  

years or more is so large that people can  stock their apocalypse pantry with ease.
years or more is so large that people can  stock their apocalypse pantry with ease.

But the odds are the people in  charge have much better provisions.
But the odds are the people in  charge have much better provisions.

No one knows exactly what’s in buildings like  Raven Rock, but the sheer size of the facilities  
No one knows exactly what’s in buildings like  Raven Rock, but the sheer size of the facilities  

means they likely have room to supply a staff of  hundreds or even thousands for years at a time. So  
means they likely have room to supply a staff of  hundreds or even thousands for years at a time. So  

the President won’t be going hungry, and he might  even be able to bring his personal chef along -  
the President won’t be going hungry, and he might  even be able to bring his personal chef along -  

although he, like everyone else, would be limited  to shelf-stable and long-lasting foods. But for  
although he, like everyone else, would be limited  to shelf-stable and long-lasting foods. But for  

the rest of us, we’re back to the old advice of  keeping a supply of canned goods to last us until  
the rest of us, we’re back to the old advice of  keeping a supply of canned goods to last us until  

the outside was safe again. But the government  isn’t really advising people to plan for a nuclear  
the outside was safe again. But the government  isn’t really advising people to plan for a nuclear  

disaster anymore - even if the odds of one are  slightly higher than they were post-Cold War.
disaster anymore - even if the odds of one are  slightly higher than they were post-Cold War.

And even if the government isn’t planning for a  war, that doesn’t mean they’re not ready for one.
And even if the government isn’t planning for a  war, that doesn’t mean they’re not ready for one.

What would happen if the United States was  actually hit by a nuclear attack, killing millions  
What would happen if the United States was  actually hit by a nuclear attack, killing millions  

and wiping out much of the US government. It would  be clear that a state of war existed - but what if  
and wiping out much of the US government. It would  be clear that a state of war existed - but what if  

the government didn’t know exactly where the  bombs came from at first? The mobile command  
the government didn’t know exactly where the  bombs came from at first? The mobile command  

center’s first task would be to track the bombs  to make sure that we were hitting the right  
center’s first task would be to track the bombs  to make sure that we were hitting the right  

country in response. This is only applicable in  the event of a missile attack, the most likely  
country in response. This is only applicable in  the event of a missile attack, the most likely  

method. If an unconventional nuclear attack was  launched, such as a suitcase nuke or a dirty bomb,  
method. If an unconventional nuclear attack was  launched, such as a suitcase nuke or a dirty bomb,  

the government’s initial efforts would be on  relief and investigation. But when a culprit  
the government’s initial efforts would be on  relief and investigation. But when a culprit  

was uncovered, whether it was a terrorist group  or a rogue state, there would be hell to pay.
was uncovered, whether it was a terrorist group  or a rogue state, there would be hell to pay.

But what if it was a superpower?
But what if it was a superpower?

The most likely threat to the US in the Cold  War was the Soviets deciding to strike first  
The most likely threat to the US in the Cold  War was the Soviets deciding to strike first  

because it decided the time was now to vanquish  its greatest enemy and put the entire world  
because it decided the time was now to vanquish  its greatest enemy and put the entire world  

under the Soviet boot. Was this a realistic  outcome? No one’s sure, and most of the times  
under the Soviet boot. Was this a realistic  outcome? No one’s sure, and most of the times  

nuclear war nearly broke out were because of  brinksmanship and mistaken intelligence. But  
nuclear war nearly broke out were because of  brinksmanship and mistaken intelligence. But  

if the Soviet Union did hit the United States,  the Defense department had a plan - and it was  
if the Soviet Union did hit the United States,  the Defense department had a plan - and it was  

a plan for maximum damage. It was called the  Single Integrated Operational Plan, and it was  
a plan for maximum damage. It was called the  Single Integrated Operational Plan, and it was  

a doomsday agenda to unleash over 1700 nuclear  devices across more than 700 targets - wiping  
a doomsday agenda to unleash over 1700 nuclear  devices across more than 700 targets - wiping  

out all major Soviet and Chinese cities as well  as targets in other communist nations like North  
out all major Soviet and Chinese cities as well  as targets in other communist nations like North  

Korea. It’s not clear how this plan evolved over  the years, but one thing that was shocking about  
Korea. It’s not clear how this plan evolved over  the years, but one thing that was shocking about  

it was that it made no distinction whether a  Communist country had attacked the US or not.
it was that it made no distinction whether a  Communist country had attacked the US or not.

But would this plan work today?
But would this plan work today?

In a word…no. When the plan was designed, the  bombs being used were eighty kilotons - four times  
In a word…no. When the plan was designed, the  bombs being used were eighty kilotons - four times  

the strength of the bomb that hit Nagasaki.  Today, most nuclear missiles are much more  
the strength of the bomb that hit Nagasaki.  Today, most nuclear missiles are much more  

powerful than that, and an attack of this strength  would likely not just annihilate the enemy,  
powerful than that, and an attack of this strength  would likely not just annihilate the enemy,  

but cause a level of nuclear fallout that  would make life on the surface completely  
but cause a level of nuclear fallout that  would make life on the surface completely  

inhospitable long-term. The clouds would  carry the poison all around the world,  
inhospitable long-term. The clouds would  carry the poison all around the world,  

even far from the sites that were initially  hit. In a best-case scenario, people would be  
even far from the sites that were initially  hit. In a best-case scenario, people would be  

forced to live underground for years. In worse  scenarios, it could mean the end of all life  
forced to live underground for years. In worse  scenarios, it could mean the end of all life  

on Earth. That means any response today would  likely be much more targeted - but it’s highly  
on Earth. That means any response today would  likely be much more targeted - but it’s highly  

likely it would still involve a nuclear hit on the  power structures of the enemy behind the attack.
likely it would still involve a nuclear hit on the  power structures of the enemy behind the attack.

Other elements of the response plan  have thankfully been abandoned as well.
Other elements of the response plan  have thankfully been abandoned as well.

One of the most infamous parts of World War  II was the arrest and internment of thousands  
One of the most infamous parts of World War  II was the arrest and internment of thousands  

of Japanese-Americans solely based on  their ethnicity by the United States,  
of Japanese-Americans solely based on  their ethnicity by the United States,  

with most being held for years until the war  ended. And so naturally, during the Cold War  
with most being held for years until the war  ended. And so naturally, during the Cold War  

some people looked at this blatant civil rights  violation and went “How can I make this work for  
some people looked at this blatant civil rights  violation and went “How can I make this work for  

me?”. J. Edgar Hoover, the notoriously paranoid  FBI chief, was known for keeping an enemy’s list,  
me?”. J. Edgar Hoover, the notoriously paranoid  FBI chief, was known for keeping an enemy’s list,  

and he advocated for the President using it as  a base for detaining and arresting anyone deemed  
and he advocated for the President using it as  a base for detaining and arresting anyone deemed  

to be a potential “subversive”. This would have  likely involved any foreign aliens in the United  
to be a potential “subversive”. This would have  likely involved any foreign aliens in the United  

States, as well as potentially anyone of the  nationality of the attackers. These plans were  
States, as well as potentially anyone of the  nationality of the attackers. These plans were  

never put into effect - but no one is sure  what lists the government is still making.
never put into effect - but no one is sure  what lists the government is still making.

But the biggest challenge for the government  
But the biggest challenge for the government  

in the aftermath of a nuclear  attack may just be…the people.
in the aftermath of a nuclear  attack may just be…the people.

The United States has a grand tradition of  reacting with calm and solidarity in the event of  
The United States has a grand tradition of  reacting with calm and solidarity in the event of  

a disaster, and we have no doubt that…oh, who are  we kidding? It’s only been a few years since 2020,  
a disaster, and we have no doubt that…oh, who are  we kidding? It’s only been a few years since 2020,  

and we all remember fighting over that last rolls  of toilet paper in the aisles of Target. When a  
and we all remember fighting over that last rolls  of toilet paper in the aisles of Target. When a  

disaster happens, it often becomes much worse  because people overreact and become paranoid  
disaster happens, it often becomes much worse  because people overreact and become paranoid  

and hostile. In the aftermath of a nuclear  attack, it’s likely that people would panic,  
and hostile. In the aftermath of a nuclear  attack, it’s likely that people would panic,  

and that could make a bad situation worse.  If people are running around willy-nilly,  
and that could make a bad situation worse.  If people are running around willy-nilly,  

it could lead to a higher death rate due to  radiation poisoning. It could also lead to a  
it could lead to a higher death rate due to  radiation poisoning. It could also lead to a  

surge in crime at a time when the authorities  are occupied with a much bigger problem.
surge in crime at a time when the authorities  are occupied with a much bigger problem.

So the Government decided to see how  much it could predict before it happened.
So the Government decided to see how  much it could predict before it happened.

The Department of Defense regularly runs  simulations on their computer systems for  
The Department of Defense regularly runs  simulations on their computer systems for  

specific types of disasters, such as  a nuclear attack going off right over  
specific types of disasters, such as  a nuclear attack going off right over  

the White House. The system was created by a  researcher at Virginia Tech, Chris Barrett,  
the White House. The system was created by a  researcher at Virginia Tech, Chris Barrett,  

who specializes in massive simulations that  involve variables for thousands of people. Using  
who specializes in massive simulations that  involve variables for thousands of people. Using  

one of the most advanced computers in the world,  it maps out which outcomes would cause the best  
one of the most advanced computers in the world,  it maps out which outcomes would cause the best  

results - and which would cause the worst. These  simulations were picked up by the government, and  
results - and which would cause the worst. These  simulations were picked up by the government, and  

they’re now a regular feature of the government  planning for events they hope never come to pass.
they’re now a regular feature of the government  planning for events they hope never come to pass.

So what are the best and worst case scenarios?
So what are the best and worst case scenarios?

The best-case scenarios usually involve people  acting responsibly, taking heed of advice,  
The best-case scenarios usually involve people  acting responsibly, taking heed of advice,  

and concentrating on their own safety. The  worst-case scenarios become a reality when  
and concentrating on their own safety. The  worst-case scenarios become a reality when  

people decide to head for ground zero to  try to help people caught in the disaster  
people decide to head for ground zero to  try to help people caught in the disaster  

zone. Not only will there be few if  any survivors after a nuclear blast,  
zone. Not only will there be few if  any survivors after a nuclear blast,  

these would-be heroes will often sentence  themselves to death due to the fallout.
these would-be heroes will often sentence  themselves to death due to the fallout.

So what are the government’s plans now?
So what are the government’s plans now?

Many of the plans from the Cold War are still  in effect to some degree, just updated to modern  
Many of the plans from the Cold War are still  in effect to some degree, just updated to modern  

technology that makes it easier to communicate and  take action wherever the leadership may be. With  
technology that makes it easier to communicate and  take action wherever the leadership may be. With  

our communications infrastructure being stronger  than ever before, the odds are good that the  
our communications infrastructure being stronger  than ever before, the odds are good that the  

government would be able to stay in contact with  its citizens and keep them as calm as possible.  
government would be able to stay in contact with  its citizens and keep them as calm as possible.  

But as for what would come next, that’s highly  classified - and hopefully will stay so forever.
But as for what would come next, that’s highly  classified - and hopefully will stay so forever.

Want to know more about this apocalyptic  scenario? Check out “What If Russia  
Want to know more about this apocalyptic  scenario? Check out “What If Russia  

Launched A Nuclear Bomb (Minute By  Minute), or watch “This Is How You  
Launched A Nuclear Bomb (Minute By  Minute), or watch “This Is How You  

Actually Survive A Nuclear Attack”  for what to do if the worst happens.
Actually Survive A Nuclear Attack”  for what to do if the worst happens.