Remedios Gómez Arnau, Consul General of Mexico

Dear readers and nationals, on this occasion I’d like to share with y’all one of the most important  tasks that the consulate, which is the protection of our communities abroad. 

As you know, California is a state that in recent years has experienced various emergencies, for example, the fires that affected the north bay. We also know that California is settled in a seismic zone which is prone to telluric currents. We all know of the risk that exists of an earthquake, but we do not when it could happen. 

And you may have asked, What does the consulate do in case of an emergency? What is our role in any emergency?

Our mission is to keep you informed and ready to prevent accidents such as fires, but also in the incident of an earthquake. In any emergency, the consulate will seek to locate any Mexicans that may be affected and provide them with consular assistance. Therefore, it is very important that everyone has a Consular Identification Card as it is the primary tool that the Consulate has to act in case of an emergency based on the information that was registered. 

The main thing is to be prepared before any contingency. Have a family action plan. We also recommend having an emergency kit that includes medicines, food, water, flashlights and other useful items. Consider your pets and set up a meeting place in case they get separated. 

During a fire, the first thing is to keep calm and if possible, leave your home quickly. If you are in a room with the door closed and smoke comes out below the door, or the door is hot, it is important that you do not try to open that door. If there is no way out, open a window for help. When looking for an exit, try to cover your mouth with a damp handkerchief. This will prevent you from inhaling smoke and toxic gases. Do not use elevators. If your clothes catch on fire, do not run, rather throw yourself on to the floor, cover your face with your hands and roll to extinguish the flames. 

In case of a fire, do not risk your physical health and follow the instructors of the authorities and evacuate the site if necessary. 

In case of an earthquake, it is important that you identify previously safe spaces in your school, home or work to protect yourself. Also, secure items that could fall and cause injuries. It is important to know and familiarize yourself with prevention plans, alert systems and evacuation routes. 

If you find yourself inside a building, it is important that you remain inside until movement stops. Cover your head and neck with your arms to protect yourself from falling objects and materials. Stay away from windows, doors and exterior walls, as well as any object that may fall. Identify a corner inside the room which is as far from the windows and objects that may fall. 

If you use a wheelchair or other mobility devices, lock the wheels, remain seated and protect your head and neck with your arms, a pillow, a book or any other object.

If you are on the street, stay away from buildings, traffic lights and power lines. Crouch down, cover your head and stay there until the tremor stops. If you are in a moving vehicle, stop in a safe place as soon as possible and stay in the vehicle. Avoid staying near or under buildings, trees, bridges or powerlines. Continue to your path once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges or ramps that the earthquake has damaged. 

When the movement is over, look around and make sure you can move safely. Leave the building and go to an open space away from damaged areas. 

In case of aftershocks, crouch and cover your head. 

In any emergency, obey the instructions of officials and avoid taking in information that does not come from official sources. 

Once you are safe, monitor the news reports through radio, television, and the social media of the Consulate for information on the current situation and follow emergency instructions. 

What should you do if you are trapped? Avoid moving. If you have a cell phone, use it to call and ask for help. Make noise via a tube or wall so rescuers can locate you. 

Remember, the most important thing is to stay calm before any incident.

The general consulate of Mexico is here to assist and support nationals. At your disposal is the telephone number of the Center of information and assistance for Mexicans (CIAM). This is available 24 hours a day: 5206237874. Do not forget to write us with your questions and comments to: consfrancisco@sre.gob.mx