A total of 15 areas would be considered secure. (Check In First comment👇)

In fact, the northern Plains—particularly Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming—contain large clusters of missile silos connected to military bases such as Minuteman launch facilities. Destroying these weapons early would be a logical strategy for an adversary seeking to reduce the United States’ retaliatory capability.

The Fallout Effect: Danger Beyond the Targets
Even states that are not directly targeted could experience catastrophic consequences due to radioactive fallout. When nuclear weapons detonate, radioactive particles travel through the atmosphere and can spread across large areas depending on wind patterns.

Modeling studies show that regions downwind of missile sites could suffer intense radiation exposure. Scientists estimate that areas near the central United States could experience radiation levels far above lethal thresholds in the days following an attack.