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Mexico is a seismic country — be prepared, not scared

Mexico sits on the collision of the Cocos, Pacific and North American plates. Big quakes like 1985, 2017-09-19 and 2022-09-19 are remembered, but most tremors are mild and CDMX has a citywide Seismic Alert (Alerta Sísmica) via speakers, phones and the free app SkyAlert (install it).

Follow the official 2026 guidance from CENAPRED / Protección Civil:

Before

1. Identify objects that could fall (shelves, mirrors, lamps) and secure them.
2. Locate safe zones in your Airbnb/hotel: near structural columns, under sturdy tables.
3. Keep always at hand: first-aid kit, flashlight, battery radio, power bank, water, copies of passport (photo on phone).
4. Agree on a meeting point outside the building with your group.
5. Learn the nearest safe exit — do not block it with luggage.

During

1. Stay calm, do not run — go to the safe zone you identified.
2. Protect children, elderly and people with disabilities first.
3. Stay away from windows, glass, exterior doors and façades.
4. On the street: stay away from poles, cables and façades that can shed debris.
5. In a building: do not use elevators; stay near a column, away from windows.
6. In a crowded place (cinema, market): walk, do not run, toward evacuation doors.
7. Stay away from shelves with falling objects. Drop, cover and hold on.
8. If driving: stop as quickly as possible and stay inside the vehicle.
9. If you are above the 4th floor, do not try to go down while shaking — shelter in place.

If the Seismic Alert sounds: you have 30–90 seconds before the wave arrives in CDMX. Do not run downstairs — protect yourself where you are.

After

1. Wait 10–20 minutes before re-entering your home/workplace — aftershocks.
2. Inspect for damage; if you smell gas, turn off gas and power and open windows.
3. If power is out, use battery flashlights — no candles, no matches, no smoking indoors.
4. Cooperate with authorities and have emergency numbers at hand.
5. Be supportive — stay off the phone to keep lines free, use WhatsApp/text.

For visitors (practical)

• Ask your hotel/Airbnb: ¿Dónde es la zona segura aquí? and ¿Dónde suena la alerta?
• Keep shoes by the bed (glass), and a flashlight.
• SkyAlert and MyShake notify seconds before you feel it.

References (updated 2026)

• CENAPRED — Qué hacer en caso de sismo: https://www.gob.mx/cenapred/articulos/que-hacer-en-caso-de-sismo-235583
• Protección Civil CDMX — Plan Familiar: https://www.proteccioncivil.cdmx.gob.mx/
• SkyAlert — App and coverage in CDMX: https://skyalert.mx/