# Nuclear War scare: what would be your "get out of town" threshold? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [August 24, 2024, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nuclear-war-scare-what-would-be-your-get-out-of-town-threshold/1006162 "2024-08-24T22:57:38Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Lumpy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lumpy/32/446_2.png) [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2024, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nuclear-war-scare-what-would-be-your-get-out-of-town-threshold/1006162/1 "2024-08-24T22:57:39Z")
By the time the Emergency Alert System started making that awful noise followed by an announcement that a missile launch had been detected, it would be far, far too late for anyone living in a metropolitan area to do anything about it. Knowing that, at what level of escalating international tensions would you conclude that an impromptu vacation up at the cabin might be a great idea? For myself, I think it would be hearing that NATO forces were in open combat with Russian troops. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2024, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nuclear-war-scare-what-would-be-your-get-out-of-town-threshold/1006162/2 "2024-08-24T23:11:28Z")
I think this depends on a person’s ability to just check-out and run for the hills. I do not think most people could do that for more than a few days. I have job responsibilities and mortgages to make and whatnot. While I could, in theory, make a dash to somewhere safer it’d really have to be an existential threat to get me to do so. Something I thought was imminent and I would die if I didn’t. The threshold, for me, is very high. It has to be. Which is pretty much the emergency alert system going off and, as you noted, it is really too late then. But, if I had no obligations and other things holding me in place and the money to do whatever then I’d leave very early and go enjoy some time in the mountains somewhere. ---
**Author:** ![Llama\_Llogophile](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/49beb7/32.png) [@Llama\_Llogophile](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Llama_Llogophile)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2024, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nuclear-war-scare-what-would-be-your-get-out-of-town-threshold/1006162/3 "2024-08-24T23:34:54Z")
This was as much easier scenario when I lived near a SAC base. It was going to get multiple, multiple warheads and we would all die very quickly, so no worries. As it stands now, I don’t know. I live in a rural enough area it might be best to just stay put. But I think I preferred not living through a nuclear exchange. ---
**Author:** ![Dallas\_Jones](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dallas_jones/32/3277_2.png) [@Dallas\_Jones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dallas_Jones)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2024, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nuclear-war-scare-what-would-be-your-get-out-of-town-threshold/1006162/4 "2024-08-25T00:19:28Z")
What about the people who already live in “the Hills”? We don’t want you, don’t need you, can’t feed you, and you are not camping on our lands. ---
**Author:** ![Roderick\_Femm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/roderick_femm/32/14875_2.png) [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2024, 3:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nuclear-war-scare-what-would-be-your-get-out-of-town-threshold/1006162/5 "2024-08-25T03:39:45Z")
If there were to be any sort of nuclear weapon attack on the US, I would frankly not want to live to see the insanity of the world that would result afterwards. Where I live is probably a prime target (San Francisco Bay area) and so my casualty if I stay put is pretty assured. I would just hope it would be over quickly. ---
**Author:** ![nightshadea](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/7ba0ec/32.png) [@nightshadea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nightshadea)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2024, 3:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nuclear-war-scare-what-would-be-your-get-out-of-town-threshold/1006162/6 "2024-08-25T03:47:58Z")
I know the area I live in is one of the first places that will be hit and we’ve been in the top 5 since the 50s and were in the desert so the only place to go would be the wastelands towards Nevada or Arizonaand you couldn’t go south because everyone from la would be trying to get through here … ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2024, 4:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nuclear-war-scare-what-would-be-your-get-out-of-town-threshold/1006162/7 "2024-08-25T04:31:05Z")
> [@Roderick\_Femm](#): > > If there were to be any sort of nuclear weapon attack on the US, I would frankly not want to live to see the insanity of the world that would result afterwards. Where I live is probably a prime target (San Francisco Bay area) and so my casualty if I stay put is pretty assured. I would just hope it would be over quickly. This is my take as well. And, living in Colorado Springs, I’m a pretty priority target, so likely I’d get my wish of near instant death without pain and suffering. I mean really, have you seen what most of the semi-realistic post-nuclear movies are like assuming any major exchange? Yeah, no, sorry, even if I live, I’d probably take a peaceful way out early on. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2024, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nuclear-war-scare-what-would-be-your-get-out-of-town-threshold/1006162/8 "2024-08-25T04:36:48Z")
> [@Roderick\_Femm](#): > > If there were to be any sort of nuclear weapon attack on the US, I would frankly not want to live to see the insanity of the world that would result afterwards. Where I live is probably a prime target (San Francisco Bay area) and so my casualty if I stay put is pretty assured. I would just hope it would be over quickly. I agree (I am in downtown Chicago which I think is also a primary target). If it came to that I think it is time to drink that really nice bottle of wine I have been saving and hope a nuke lands right on top of me (over in a millisecond). I don’t want to be in my car, a block from my place honking and freaking out (to be fair, I will probably still be freaking out but at least I have my good wine in hand and freaking out a little less). My real sadness would be being unable to get to friends and family and spend what time was left with them. ---
**Author:** ![Chisquirrel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6bbea6/32.png) [@Chisquirrel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chisquirrel)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2024, 4:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nuclear-war-scare-what-would-be-your-get-out-of-town-threshold/1006162/9 "2024-08-25T04:37:22Z")
This is my thought. If the nukes start flying, I wouldn’t even get to my car before my existence was incinerated. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2024, 5:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nuclear-war-scare-what-would-be-your-get-out-of-town-threshold/1006162/10 "2024-08-25T05:26:15Z")
Out here in the badlands of Arkansas, I think we’d live thru an initial barrage. It’s according to how thorough a job the baddies want to do and how deep inland they could get. I’d assume if baddies lived thru the rebound they’d get they’ll take over. Then there’s fallout to get thru. Nuclear winter will probably kill everyone left. Yeah it’s not gonna be a pleasant world to live in after that. Instant death will be easier ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2024, 5:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nuclear-war-scare-what-would-be-your-get-out-of-town-threshold/1006162/11 "2024-08-25T05:30:08Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > Out here in the badlands of Arkansas, I think we’d live thru an initial barrage. Don’t you have nuclear missile silos there? I thought you do/did. If so you are also a target (sorry to say). ---
**Author:** ![Tatterdemalion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/43a26b/32.png) [@Tatterdemalion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tatterdemalion)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2024, 5:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nuclear-war-scare-what-would-be-your-get-out-of-town-threshold/1006162/12 "2024-08-25T05:34:37Z")
Let’s see, if the Soviet Union has collapsed into civil war, German tanks are approaching Kursk, the premier announces that if NATO weapons are used on Russian soil there will be consequences, and that happens. It might at least be time to check your go-bag. ---
**Author:** ![Cervaise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cervaise/32/16693_2.png) [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2024, 6:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nuclear-war-scare-what-would-be-your-get-out-of-town-threshold/1006162/13 "2024-08-25T06:26:20Z")
> [@Llama\_Llogophile](#): > > This was as much easier scenario when I lived near a SAC base. Yeah. I live in a small country, in a very small village … but we’re a five-minute drive from a major regional NATO facility. (Nelly Furtado) “Turn off the light, turn off the light…” (/nf) ---
**Author:** ![Tabco](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tabco/32/7644_2.png) [@Tabco](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tabco)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2024, 6:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nuclear-war-scare-what-would-be-your-get-out-of-town-threshold/1006162/14 "2024-08-25T06:59:36Z")
As the crow flies, I live about 10 miles east of Portland Int’l Airport, in WA state. Assuming Portland/Vancouver are targets, my only real escape route is SR-14 eastbound along the north bank of the Columbia River. It’s a 2-lane highway and would clog up immediately, I imagine. Dunno if I could make it to safety. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2024, 7:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nuclear-war-scare-what-would-be-your-get-out-of-town-threshold/1006162/15 "2024-08-25T07:10:09Z")
Well maybe. We had some that went crackers. Reagan had them dismantled. That’s my understanding. ---
**Author:** ![Dereknocue67](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/6de8d8/32.png) [@Dereknocue67](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dereknocue67)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2024, 7:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nuclear-war-scare-what-would-be-your-get-out-of-town-threshold/1006162/16 "2024-08-25T07:26:36Z")
In the event of nuclear war, I hope to be at ground zero. I believe what will follow will be far worse. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2024, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nuclear-war-scare-what-would-be-your-get-out-of-town-threshold/1006162/17 "2024-08-25T14:37:30Z")
> [@Whack-a-Mole](#): > > Don’t you have nuclear missile silos there? I thought you do/did. Way back in the day, starting around 1963 there were 18 Titan silos surrounding Little Rock AFB in AR. They lasted until the 1980s. Blytheville AFB (the “th” is silent) near Blytheville AR was a SAC B-52 base until closed in 1992. ---
**Author:** ![BippityBoppityBoo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bippityboppityboo/32/5745_2.png) [@BippityBoppityBoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BippityBoppityBoo)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2024, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nuclear-war-scare-what-would-be-your-get-out-of-town-threshold/1006162/18 "2024-08-25T14:47:54Z")
I’m 60 miles from Stratcom at Offutt Air Force Base near Omaha. I figure I’ll be vaporized before I realize it. Nebraska in general is one of the five states with the most tactical missiles so surviving the initial attack is unlikely regardless. ---
**Author:** ![Misnomer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/misnomer/32/14897_2.png) [@Misnomer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Misnomer)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2024, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nuclear-war-scare-what-would-be-your-get-out-of-town-threshold/1006162/19 "2024-08-25T14:50:08Z")
Like many others, I’d rather not survive such a thing. Happily, since I live 10 miles west of the White House I’m pretty much at ground zero. If anything, I’d have a “get back home” threshold (if I were visiting somewhere remote) – but I’m not sure what that would be. ---
**Author:** ![Shoeless](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shoeless/32/7099_2.png) [@Shoeless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shoeless)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2024, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nuclear-war-scare-what-would-be-your-get-out-of-town-threshold/1006162/20 "2024-08-25T15:52:06Z")
Well, my area has already been hit once, so been there done that. (OK, it was in a movie, “The Day After”.) Serious answer, I would probably not try to get away. A few months ago I sat in traffic for four hours due to people trying to get out of a major metropolitan area _just to see an eclipse_. If there’s some major nuclear shit going down, I expect traffic to be at a standstill. And even so, where am I going to go? [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nuclear-war-scare-what-would-be-your-get-out-of-town-threshold/1006162.md?page=2)