3 Safe Places in Illinois for Nuclear War Survival, 5 to Avoid

This used to be an unthinkable scenario that only seemed possible in movies or books. With the world teetering on the edge thanks to numerous wars and conflicts, many are now concerned that nuclear war is a possibility. If you live in Illinois, there are 3 areas that are considered safer than any others in the state, but there are 5 regions you'll want to avoid at all costs.

Let's start with the positives. While Illinois definitely has some danger zones if the country were ever to be involved in a nuclear exchange, the state is fortunate to have several areas that have been deemed safe by preppers and survivalists. Here are the top 3:

1 - Shawnee National Forest (Hardin/Pope County core)

• Illinois most rugged area with hills, bluffs and naturally-shielded areas
• Full of dense forests and caves which could provide shelter from fallout
• Not near any big population centers means less likely to be near enemy targets
• Water available from Ohio River and nearby creeks

2 - Calhoun County Peninsula

• Situated between the Mississippi & Illinois Rivers
• Not many industry targets and relatively low population
• Safer than other parts of Illinois for potential fallout
• Interior farmland not close to transportation or ferry crossings meaning less likely to be enemy target

3 - Edwards / Wabash County Border Region

• Lowest population density in Illinois
• Ability to grow food due to strong agricultural history
• Not near major Illinois cities or military bases
• Rural zones between Albion and Mount Carmel
• Lots of well water and farmland

What about the places in Illinois that would be the most likely to either be a target from a nuclear strike from an enemy or near one? Here are the 5 locations in the state that preppers and survivalists say would be least likely to survive if the missiles fly:

1. Chicago - 3rd biggest population center in the US
2. Springfield - state government
3. Rockford - manufacturing and logistics hub
4. Peoria - lots of industry
5. Anywhere near Scott Air Force Base

I find it interesting that the newest popular movie on Netflix called "A House Full of Dynamite" was based around a scenario where an enemy launched a missile at the Chicago area where the President had to decide whether to retaliate before the missile impacted. Let's hope for everyone's sake that this scenario remains in the realm of fiction and never reality.