For a day or two—or at least until more White House turmoil – the verbal sparring between two nuclear powers has stopped.
But in the event that North Korea DOES fire those missiles toward Guam, as that country has threatened, there is fear that it could result in a nuclear exchange.
Meanwhile, Nellis and Creech Air force bases are in and near Las Vegas.
For decades, Las Vegas had fallout shelters established throughout the valley. Most of those have disappeared under the wrecking ball as the area grew. But what if a nuclear war broke out today? Where would people go? What would they do?
Clark County Fire Department Chief John Steinbeck is the point-man for questions like these.
“We don’t overly react to the news of the day but, of course, we have to react to the threat,” he told KNPR's State of Nevada, “It’s causing us to take a look and re-evaluate some of our planning for it.”
He said whenever there is a concern about public safety whether it's because of a disease like Ebola or a potential terror attack his office gets calls.
“Whatever the crisis of the year we start getting more phone calls for that crisis and right now it is nuclear,” he said.
Steinbeck was quick to point out that the probability is low that an attack would happen, but the consequences of a nuclear exchange would be high, which is why they need to be prepared but not overly concerned. He said there are "federal, state and local resources" available for emergencies but no one has experience with fallout from a nuclear blast.
However, the county and city have emergency operation plans that do include how to respond to radiological emergencies whether intentional or accidental.
While the county has plans in place - just in case - they don't have any fallout shelters. The chief said funding for the shelters ended before the Cold War ended. The only one left is underground but is more of a museum.
Clark County Museum Director Mark Hall-Patton stands outside the entrance of the county's last remaining shelter.
Producer Joe Schoenmann toured the county's last underground shelter. It still has information government officials may have needed.
Producer Joe Schoenmann toured the county's only underground shelter that is left. A chalkboard details how many people could fit into fallout shelters. Those shelters are now gone.
Producer Joe Schoenmann toured the county's last remaining underground shelter, which is now more of a museum. Instructions on surviving are still found throughout the shelter.
Chief John Steinbeck, Clark County Fire Department
