Preparing for the worst on a frugal student budget

The Alpine Faultline runs 600km across the South Island and is likely to trigger the biggest earthquake New Zealand has felt since European settlement. 

UC Student Harry Unwin lives in a Riccarton Flat with four other boys. He says his flat is "definitely not prepared". 

"Usually our shelves are pretty full, but I guess it's not with food that would last long, as in canned food or anything like that."

He says it's never been something he has thought of, and others across the South Island appear to be in the same boat. 

“We have like no medical stuff, barely enough food for day to day,” says one Otago University student.

“We have absolutely zero plans in place or any sort of preparation,” says another. 

Science Lead for the AF8 Project, Dr Thomas Robinson, says while Christchurch won’t be as badly affected as areas like the West Coast, the city will certainly feel the brunt of it. 

“I think it’s critical that we know about the hazards we are exposed to…hearing about this and being prepared for these events is critical in making our lives better.”

In its inevitable occurrence, the South Island will face weeks of widespread power and telecommunication outages. For some regions, this could be months. That means EFTPOS and the internet will be down and buying food will become challenging. 

Everyday basics that people take for granted will be affected: water, sewerage, and power. Other services such as transport, health, and social services are likely to be disrupted for weeks.

Robinson has five top tips to be prepared: 

1. Cash. While Robinson points out most students don’t carry cash these days, it is important to have a small amount in case EFTPOS is down. 

“If there is no power, you just can’t go to the supermarket and buy bits and pieces,” he says.

2. Spare water. In most natural disasters, Civil Defence suggests at least three days’ worth of water stored, but in the case of an Alpine Fault, seven days' is recommended. 

Robinson says you can do this over time.

“If you are drinking a bottle of wine, instead of putting it in the recycling, fill it up with water.

“The more water you’ve got the better off you’ll be.”

3. Canned food. For students, Robinson says that’s difficult when it is so expensive. He suggests chipping away at this too. 

“You go to the supermarket, there’s a two for one offer on certain canned goods. Grab two. One can goes in your emergency supply, one goes in your pantry.”

4. Have a go bag. He says Civil Defence has many accessible resources to tell you how to pack a go bag and will be unique to individuals. 

5. Finally, he suggests talking to your neighbours. 

“For students, if they are…new to the city or they don’t have any family connections, make connections within your communities.

“After an event, you might find out your neighbours have a water filtration system or a generator to charge phones.”

Robinson says having a plan allows you to be adaptable.   

“Preparedness is preparedness. If you're prepared for an Alpine Fault event, you're prepared for...any kind of emergency,” Robinson says.