Cold daily showers and fasting were among the tips for Cantabrians on a survival course at the weekend on how to be mentally and physically prepared for a disaster.
The free two hours sessions at Bottle Lake Forest focused attracted more than 150 participants.
Ben Logan, who took the course and runs survival courses in Wanaka, believes people should incorporate skills and strategies into their daily lives in order for them to be equipped, mentally and physically, should an emergency strike.
He, along with Dr Greg Emerson, were motivated to offer the course in Christchurch after seeing the response of so many shocked residents in the wake of the recent quakes.
"I saw a lot of emotions on the news, I saw a lack of confidence, people very upset, very damaged. At times like these this information belongs with the people.''
Ben Logan said the goal was to teach people new skills and confidence.
"The confidence in knowing what to do from a physical point of view, what the body can handle and also what they can mentally sustain. They both are very important, but just mental and physical resilience. Knowing what to do, how to execute it and having the knowledge and strategies to thrive in a bad situation.''
Like many on the course Petrea said she went because of the recent earthquakes in North Canterbury.
"We have made changes in our home already. I've got children as well to think about, so anything that better prepares me for the future is a bonus for me.''
Jan Sirclej had recently moved to Christchurch from Slovenia and said the course was confirmation of what he was already doing.
"You never know when the house is burning, the earthquake comes, the tornado comes, you crashed the car, this kind of stuff is useful in so many different applications. It's really important, everyone should do it.''
Paula was motivated by the thought of being cut off without help from emergency services for several days.
"The recent couple [of earthquakes] have just kinda woken me up a little bit," she said. As a single parent with two young children, she wanted to look after both herself and them, and teach her 19-year-old son so he could help as well.
The course was offered without charge but participants were asked to make a donation to Christchurch Women's Refuge.
