President Donald Trump has more than a few places to hide if America was to be nuked.
Under regularly revised contingency plans, the US president would be evacuated to one of several top secret bunkers in Colorado, Pennsylvania and Virginia if a global conflict broke out.
Fears of a nuclear war have been heightened amid the US-Iran war, which has since pulled in a dozen surrounding countries, including Gulf nations.
This week, Russia reported to be providing Iran with intelligence to target US forces in the region.
Originally constructed in the depths of the Cold War, the bunkers have since been maintained and staffed through regular funding provided for in annual US budgets.
They were even on standby in the wake of the September 11 attacks in 2001.
Known as the Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP), it would enable key governmental operations to continue in the event large cities were decimated by weapons of mass destruction.
Mount Weather Emergency Operations Center (MWEOC), Raven Rock Mountain Complex (RRMC) and Cheyenne Mountain Complex are three known sites involved in the programme.
All three are located under mountain ranges and are built to withstand a nuclear attack.
They are also kitted out with essential functions, including technology allowing the president to communicate with the public.
In the event of a global conflict, the US military command hub would likely be located at the RRMC, also known as Site R, in Pennsylvania.
According to budget files, the site, often billed as an ‘underground Pentagon’ provides a ‘safe and secure environment for DoD essential functions’.
Originally constructed in 1959, the MWEOC continues to host ‘classified programs’.
These provide ‘reliable support’ and ‘resilient capabilities’ for the president, according to documents issued by the Department of Homeland Security.
It also houses the FEMA National Radio System (FINARS), which links most states with the US military and public safety agencies.
It also gives the president access to the US Emergency Alert System.
A programme was also developed in 1981 to use the base to save valuable paintings from the National Gallery of Art.
The Cheyenne Mountain Complex in Colorado formerly housed the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).
NORAD is responsible for protecting the joint airspace of the USA and Canada, for which it remains a backup facility.
The site is located inside a granite mountain and guarded by two 25-ton security doors to protect against any type of attack.
Government documents show the site was used to shelter senior leaders during the 2001 attack on the Pentagon, including then vice-president Dick Cheney.
COOP is primarily concerned with protecting key decision makers to ensure they can continue to lead the nation through a major crisis.
Up to 150 officials were shielded at COOP sites following the 9/11 attacks.
The project was first commissioned under Dwight D Eisenhower but was bolstered by several of his successors.
Specific details on the bunkers remain classified for security reasons.
There are thought to be other secure sites, including a location where the US Congress would be moved during a nuclear crisis.
The legislature was previously housed at the Greenbrier Bunker until the site was revealed in the 1990s.
In the event of an incoming attack, the president can also be shielded onboard the National Airborne Operations Centre (NAOC).
Dubbed the ‘Doomsday Plane’, the specialised Boeing 747 is capable of inflight refuelling enabling it to stay airborne indefinitely and acts as a flying command post from where the president can direct the military.
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