The last episode

In the flashback we have the 15th district of Georgia mentioned. What if the silos are divided into each district?

We see that they are checking for radiation even then that implies that some nuclear warfare has already begun. I believe a war was started with Iran that caused the US to become a wasteland. Knowing this was coming, the silos were prepared as bunkers to preserve life until the land became hospitable again. Equal numbers of people were chosen to be housed. The reporter was one of them as she has the pez dispenser. George being curious, he could even be a descendant of the reporter.

The safeguard could be to protect the silo. If a person is detected outside then the toxic gas will be released to kill them. This means that unless it’s over-rided then the average person can never leave either. The gas that can be released inside is a last resort in case of a massive security breach from outside or rebellion inside. Only those with the correct suit and equipment can leave, which is why the stealing of the tape was such a big deal.

I’m not sure about the memory wipe situation and if it’s even real.