According to experts, a nuclear war is a definite possibility in the near future, given rising tension between nations. Among some of the best places to be during WWIII are Australia, Tonga, and Iceland. Let’s take a look at the countries with the best nuclear war safety!
Before we get into the list, you should first get inside if warned of an impending nuclear attack. Find somewhere safe, and stay there until the threat passes. The best shelters are public buildings with few or no windows.
Listen to the local radio for instructions during a chemical, biological, or nuclear emergency. Pay special attention to any possible evacuation warnings. Cellular phones and internet service will likely stop working.
Battery-powered or hand-crank radios will be your best friend; get some if you don’t have them. Keep windows and doors closed, turn off air exchangers and any heating or cooling systems, and stay indoors until advised otherwise. Taking your emergency kit and valuables with you is also a good idea if an evacuation becomes necessary.
It’s also vital to prepare for a worst-case scenario, such as a tsunami, earthquake, or other natural disaster as a consequence. The best way to do that is to develop a family disaster plan and practice it sometimes to remember it. Also, ensure you have a disaster supply kit and a way to communicate with your family in an emergency. Keep yourself and your family safe!
Iceland
The cold island, isolated by the Atlantic Ocean, makes it a difficult target for missiles. Nuclear missiles would have a hard time reaching Iceland without detection. The country also has a small population and plenty of space.
The high amount of space per person also makes it a less likely target. The country generates most of its energy through geothermal sources. These sources give the nation survivability in the event of a nuclear disaster.
Iceland has several active volcanoes but is not considered a safety threat. The government has a robust civil defense system, including shelters and evacuation plans. The government also stockpiles emergency supplies of food, water, and medicine.
The island also has a rich, endless supply of fish. That, mixed with its lack of political conflict with any other nation, makes it an ideal spot. Its day-to-day danger is also minute, with a low homicide rate and a neutral policy preventing it from taking sides in any international conflicts.
It is also close to the United States, which means it will have access to military support if necessary. If a nuclear war does happen, Islanders can get to safety by building shelters and developing ration plans. They should also ensure they are away from major population centers and any buildings that could be targeted with a nuclear bomb.
Indonesia
Indonesia is a large, densely-populated country situated in a broad arc along the equator. It sits astride essential sea lanes in Southeast Asia. It’s actually the world’s third most populous democracy and largest archipelago.
Indonesia has vast natural resources and is a major exporter of petroleum, natural gas and minerals. It also hosts significant international investment and remains committed to fighting injustices. They fight terrorism, money laundering, and corruption through regional and global partnerships.
After a nuclear explosion, Indonesians would only have minutes to seek shelter. They’d have to avoid sandlike radioactive particles known as fallout reaching the ground. They can cause radiation poisoning, damaging the body’s cells and leading to death.
Their most standard shelters are multistory buildings with brick or concrete walls. They have many helpful parking garages and subway tunnels. The citizens can cover their faces to protect their skin from heat and flying debris and hurry to safety.
If the blast occurs in an Indonesian city, thousands could die immediately. Many more deaths could occur due to disease in the weeks, months, and years following a nuclear attack. Though the nation isn’t a likely target, stabilizing the consequences could take a minute.
Some, unfortunately, may be susceptible to prolonged exposure to radiation. The safety risk of a nuclear war is higher than it was at the height of the Cold War. Dangerous threats often fuel the feuds and possibilities of violence.
This includes the ongoing tension between Russia and the United States. Luckily, Indonesia is far away from any possible damage that may happen between Russia and the US. Even so, countries need to resume disarmament negotiations to defuse tensions.
Australia
The use of nuclear weapons would be devastating. It would kill millions, maybe even billions, and cause long-term damage to the Earth. If a nuclear attack were to occur, people would need to seek shelter immediately.
The bomb would release much radiation that could poison the air, water, and ground. The most dangerous radiation is ionizing radiation, which damages the body’s cells and can lead to cancer. Ionizing radiation also affects animals and plants, destroying their DNA and causing mutations.
This comes in addition to the blast that will cause a shock wave, killing and injuring many. Australia is one of the best places to be in WWIII. The land down under has extensive food production capabilities. Their heightened ability to produce food will help them survive after the nuclear disaster.
Australia also tops the list of safest countries because of its infrastructure, energy reserves, health security, and defense budget. Its close military ties with the US and UK could make it a nuclear war target. However, Australia is not a likely target, given how far away it is from most of civilization.
New Zealand
Right next to Australia, literally and figuratively, is New Zealand. Iggy Azalea’s homeland also exercises safety in the event of nuclear war. The country doesn’t have nuclear weapons itself and stays out of international drama.
New Zealand also has strong laws governing nuclear and other weapons. Despite their lack of inclusion in the arms race, NZ has a sound emergency preparedness system. The country is also an island surrounded by the ocean, which would help protect it from a nuclear winter.
A nuclear winter would have a few lasting effects on the planet. It would create a prolonged period of global climatic cooling caused by firestorms blocking sunlight. It would have devastating effects on humanity, including famine and crop failure.
However, scientists believe New Zealand is another good candidate for maintaining its effective food production and survival. In 1987, Wellington ecologist Dr Wren Green published an extraordinary study. He examined what life in New Zealand could be like after a nuclear world war.
His research involved consulting 300 industry experts and a public survey. He found that New Zealanders had a good chance of survival during a full-scale nuclear world war. NZ is even less likely to be targeted by nukes than Australia.
The US, China, and the United Arab Emirates import billions of dollars worth of dairy products from New Zealand annually. Their high production gives countries little motivation for a nuclear strike. New Zealand also does not have many uranium mines, making it less vulnerable to nuclear weapon explosions.
It would also be challenging for nuclear-armed warships even to get close enough to target NZ. The country continues to develop more digital manufacturing, renewable energy and high-tech sectors.