As global tensions rise following recent military strikes involving Iran, many people have begun asking what would happen if a major global conflict or even a nuclear crisis occurred. Some wealthy figures have publicly revealed private emergency bunkers, but world leaders have long had official contingency plans. In the United States, there are detailed procedures designed to protect the president during national emergencies. Experts warn that a large-scale nuclear conflict would have devastating global consequences.

Author Annie Jacobsen recently explained that a nuclear exchange could trigger a “nuclear winter,” where large parts of the world would experience years of extreme cold. Agriculture could collapse, food supplies would fail, and radiation combined with damage to the ozone layer could make it dangerous for people to spend time outdoors. Because of these risks, the U.S. government maintains strict emergency protocols known as the Continuity of Government Readiness Conditions (COGCON) system.

These plans are designed to ensure that the government continues operating even during catastrophic events. In a serious crisis, the president would likely be evacuated quickly. Reports suggest the first step could involve traveling by Marine One helicopter to a secure location before boarding the E-4B National Airborne Operations Center, a highly specialized aircraft often described as a flying command center. The plane is capable of staying airborne for extended periods and can be refueled mid-flight.

Afterward, the president could be moved to secure underground facilities such as Mount Weather, Site R, or other classified locations designed to protect key government leaders. At the same time, the presidential line of succession and other government officials would be relocated to protected sites, ensuring leadership continuity during any national emergency.