What are the chances that Baltimore will suffer a nuclear attack in 2009?

Question

Just like Independence Day led to 9/11, the CBS show Jericho is foreshadowing a nuclear attack on US cities. All the arrows seem to be pointing at Baltimore with its emphasis on mass evacuations, port security, etc. Hiroshima and Nagasaki were also industrial port cities decimated by the first and only atomic bombs to be used on civilized populations. With the frenzy generated over other targets like Chicago, New York and LA, maybe Baltimore is falling under the radar. Could the "bombs bursting in air" from 1812 turn out to be "mushroom clouds rising from the ground" in 2009?

Independence Day featured the destruction of the White House and other landmarks by an alien death beam. Hollywood has an uncanny way of reminding Americans of her past (e.g. Saving Private Ryan as a patriotic booster) and eerily predicting the future.

Answer 1

You have fried your brain by watching so much Bull shine from Hollywood and TV, why should
anything happen in 2009 that cant happen in 2007??
Hiroshima was chosen because of its large size, its being "an important army depot" and the potential that the bomb would cause greater destruction because the city was surrounded by hills which would have a "focusing effect".

The city of Nagasaki had been one of the largest sea ports in southern Japan and was of great wartime importance because of its wide-ranging industrial activity, including the production of ordnance, ships, military equipment, and other war materials.

In contrast to many modern aspects of Hiroshima, the bulk of the residences were of old-fashioned Japanese construction, consisting of wood or wood-frame buildings, with wood walls (with or without plaster), and tile roofs. Many of the smaller industries and business establishments were also housed in buildings of wood or other materials not designed to withstand explosions. Nagasaki had been permitted to grow for many years without conforming to any definite city zoning plan; residences were erected adjacent to factory buildings and to each other almost as closely as possible throughout the entire industrial valley.

And from who and where do you think the attack is coming from??

Answer 2

Just how much of a threat we are under from nuclear weapons is an unknown factor. That is pretty scary. Many port cites are ripe targets but Baltimore must also face the effects of attacks directed at D.C.

If or when, well, who's to say. I live in close proximity to Manhattan and we are prepared. Depending on the severity and type of attack, should one occur, you should be ready to evacuate immediately or shelter in place.

The most important thing is to have a family plan. What should you, your spouse, your kids etc. do if there is a disaster and the phones / cell phones don't work? Where will you meet? How will you find each other? If it is impossible to get to the meeting place what is the second choice?

If you cannot communicate you must have a plan already in place. It is not a time for irrational fear but a time for rational planning. The Department of Homeland Security website has plenty of advice.


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Answer 3

After some research and having conversations with some guys in the know , there seems to be some good intelligence that one if not two suitcase nukes may already be in the US. The major targets will be New York, Washington DC, Miami, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Look at the Homeland Security website and it gives you exact instructions on making a safe room and survival tips! My best advice is have a 30-60 day plan. Your wife may think you're crazy, but if/when it happens you'll be well prepared to take care of your family

Answer 4

As a Baltimore native, I've heard for decades how poorly screened the port is through second hand stories, and chatting with dock workers and so on.

If a cargo container of live illegal immigrants can make it from Mexico to Baltimore (as I've been told they have) and 4 ton pallets of heroin can be shipped in all in plain sight, I wouldn't bet against a nuke making it through.

And to the guy who said "not while Bush is in office," then why are we STILL waiting for radiation detectors that can search cargo containers? Why did our homeland security grant just get cut in half for the port of Baltimore last month? Not that I'm any happier with the Dem Congress on this issue.

Answer 5

You know, I've never heard of ID being compared to 9/11. Though it's plausible that there may have been a connection..

I doubt anything would happen to Baltimore. In all honesty, my money is on San Francisco.

Edit: Ah. ...Well, technically, that was the white house, not the pentagon. Different buildings. =)

Answer 6

I think you should be more concerned about a zombie attack. Nuclear weapons are fairly well tracked, and many people have plans of action for their families. What are you going to do when the zombie apocalypse comes? :)

Jericho was an awesome TV show and I will miss it greatly.

Answer 7

I would say that the chances are so close to zero so as to not make much difference.

Answer 8

chances are very slim of anything like this happening before January 20, 2009 (hint: when bush leaves office)

after that.... who knows

Answer 9

The risk is low, but not nonexistent.

Answer 10

i live in baltimore! so hopefully none