Mexico

Earthquake alert and public warning: Mexico uses the Sistema de Alerta Sísmica Mexicano (SASMEX) in high-risk regions. Alerts may be distributed through loudspeakers, sirens, radio, television, apps and, in some cases, mobile phones.

If the earthquake alert sounds, stay calm, move away from windows, go to a safe area, use marked evacuation routes if needed and follow instructions from Protección Civil.

Country: Mexico

• Country code: MX
• Languages: Spanish and recognized national Indigenous languages
• Currency: Mexican peso (MXN)
• Time zones: several time zones depending on the state
• Power supply: normally 127 V / 60 Hz, plug types A and B

Mexico generally has good infrastructure in cities and tourist areas. During a prolonged power outage, communication, card payments, ATMs, transportation, gas stations, refrigeration, supermarkets, water pumps and medical services may be disrupted.

Regional risks include earthquakes, hurricanes, heavy rain, flooding, landslides, heat waves, wildfires and local security situations.

The most important emergency numbers in Mexico should be saved offline and also kept on paper.

• 911: national emergency number for police, medical help, fire department and civil protection
• 078: Ángeles Verdes, tourist and mechanical road assistance
• 089: anonymous reporting, not an immediate emergency line

Regional numbers for fire departments, Red Cross, civil protection or hospitals may differ by state and city. In immediate danger, call 911 first.

Mexico uses different warning channels depending on the hazard. Particularly important are SASMEX for earthquakes, SIAT-CT for tropical cyclones, official Protección Civil communications and local alerts from states and municipalities.

• SASMEX: earthquake early warning in parts of central and southern Mexico.
• Cell Broadcast / mobile alert: used as an additional warning channel, but not as the only information source.
• SIAT-CT: early warning system for tropical cyclones and hurricanes.
• Radio: during power outages, a battery, hand-crank or car radio is important.
• Protección Civil: follow local instructions on evacuation, shelters and road closures.

For Mexico, preparedness for several days is sensible depending on the region. In hurricane, earthquake or remote areas, supplies should be planned with a wider safety margin.

• Plan drinking water for all people and pets.
• Store long-life food that can be used without electricity.
• Keep medicines, first-aid supplies, insect repellent and personal long-term medication available.
• Prepare a battery or hand-crank radio, flashlights, spare batteries and power banks.
• Keep cash in small bills, as cards and ATMs may fail.
• Keep documents, insurance details, phone numbers and addresses offline.
• In strong heat, pay attention to water, shade, medicine cooling and protection of vulnerable people.

In case of power outages, the first responsible contact is usually the local energy supplier or grid operator. In Mexico, the Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE) is a central electricity provider. For hazards, evacuations and shelters, Protección Civil and local authorities are the main reference points.

For Dominican citizens in Mexico, the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in Mexico City and the Dominican consulate are important official contact points.

Travelers should save important contacts, hotel address, passport copies and insurance details offline and also keep them printed.