With rising tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States, fears of nuclear war are growing, prompting many Americans to question where their nearest nuclear fallout shelters are located. While nuclear weapons haven’t been used since World War II, the current geopolitical climate and predictions by mystic Baba Vanga have heightened public concern. Fallout shelters—many built during the Cold War—still exist across the U.S., especially in major cities. Websites like TruePrepper, run by Air Force veteran Sean Gold, provide maps to help Americans locate nearby shelters. However, many shelters have since been repurposed or are outdated, with some states like Florida particularly underprepared.

Survival in a nuclear event depends largely on proximity to the blast and the quality of the shelter. Bunkers must provide radiation shielding, proper ventilation, filtered air, and adequate food and water storage. Good shelters are built underground with thick concrete or steel walls. Washington D.C. has the highest number of bunkers, but its status as a likely target diminishes their safety. Remote areas, though sparse in shelters, may be safer due to distance from likely attack zones. Rumors of secret underground cities reserved for the elite suggest additional secure locations may exist, but most citizens won’t have access to them. Ultimately, preparedness involves knowing your nearest shelter, understanding its condition, and ensuring you bring your own supplies if necessary.