9781422287835

EARTHQUAKES, LANDSLIDES, VOLCANOES, AND AVALANCHES 13

XII. Damage total. Lines of sight and level are distorted . Objects thrown into the air.

Ground Earthquake effects can be worse on soft ground, which tends to amplify the shockwaves, particularly mud and clay soils. This also applies to waterlogged, low-lying regions. Steep slopes can be dangerous because of the risk of land- slides. Preparation A soldier will put together essential supplies such as water, canned food, a battery-powered radio, and a flashlight. Action The action required to safely survive an earthquake will vary depending on where the soldier sits out the tremors. Sheltering indoors is the most common. If a soldier is inside a building, he or she will get under a strong table or some other protection, and hold on during the tremors. If soldiers cannot get underneath something, they will get close to an inside wall. Soldiers are trained to always keep away from heavy objects like book cases. They do not attempt to run out of a building during an earth- quake, since they will be at great risk from falling and flying objects. Finally, they keep away from any glass, such as windows or mirrors, that might shatter. The other situation in which elite soldiers are most likely to find themselves is stranded outdoors. There are several rules soldiers follow to avoid being in- jured or killed. They do not try to run away from the earthquake, because they