the heads of the Secretariat of Government, José Alfonso Suárez del Real, and of Integral Risk Management and Civil Protection (SGIRPC), Myriam Urzúa Venegas, announced the details of the first earthquake drill of 2021, which will take place next Monday, June 21 at 11:30 am.
In a press conference, Urzúa Venegas reported that the exercise that will be carried out in conjunction with the National Coordination of Civil Protection, will have as a hypothesis an earthquake of magnitude 8.1 with epicenter 4 km south of Papayo, Guerrero, 30 km deep with a very strong perception in Mexico City.
It will be at 11:30 a.m. when the Seismic Instrumentation and Registration Center (CIRES) will activate the Seismic Alert through the 12,825 speakers operated by the Command, Control, Computation, Communications and Citizen Contact Center (C5), as well as the television and radio stations that have the service; in addition to the public and private buildings that have installed the receivers.
“Once the Alert is activated, it will start evacuating properties. In case of being located from the second floor down, the capital unit indicates that it must go down the evacuation route to be located at the meeting point established outside the building. As for people who, when the Seismic Alert is activated, are from a third floor upwards, they must remain in the area of least risk; then go down the evacuation route and head to the meeting point,” he said.
Venegas Urzúa emphasized that at all times the necessary preventive measures must be taken to avoid infection by Covid-19 during the evacuation exercise of buildings; therefore, it recommended using at all times:
- Boot covers and mask
- Maintain a minimum distance of 1.5 m with other people
- When returning to homes and offices, disinfect hands with antibacterial gel or through proper washing with soap and water
On the other hand, he recalled that the platform to register properties is active by entering the website: http://www.preparados.gob.mx/simulacronacional2021/.
“At the moment we have about 13 thousand registered properties,” he said.
Finally, Urzúa Venegas said that the importance of conducting drills lies in strengthening prevention.
“In Mexico City, we have managed to change the paradigm of reaction. We are the first federal entity to privilege comprehensive risk management, working at all times and closely with the National Coordination of Civil Protection. Being prepared to know how to act in the face of an earthquake is essential for those of us who live in Mexico City. 1985 and 2017 left us with lessons and teachings that we must not forget; so prevention and preparation will always be our main tools to face this type of phenomenon and the adversities they represent, “he stressed.
For his part, the Secretary of Government of Mexico City, José Alfonso Suárez del Real y Aguilera, thanked the participation of the citizens and recognized the responsibility of the capitals to comply with the sanitary measures, as happened on the last election day.
“I recognize that the citizens have given us a show of very high commitment on June 6. This time, the fundamental thing will be to go out with the cover and reach the evacuation, while the concentration at the meeting point is definitely an exercise that requires 1.5 meters of distance, “shared Suárez del Real and Aguilera.
The objective of this exercise is to reinforce and improve the preventive communication and response actions of the Government of Mexico City, as well as to evaluate the Seismic Emergency Plan.
If you live (temporally) in Mexico City it is important to know what to do before, during and after an earthquake. Situated atop three of the large tectonic plates that constitute the earth’s surface, Mexico is one of the most seismological active regions on earth. The motion of these plates causes earthquakes and volcanic activity.
How to be Prepared. Electricity, water, gas and telephones may not be working after an earthquake. The police and fire departments are likely to be tied up. You should be prepared to fend for yourself for at least three days, preferably for a week. You’ll need food and water (a gallon a day per person); a first aid kit; a fire extinguisher suitable for all types of fires; flashlights; a portable radio; extra batteries, blankets, clothes, shoes and money (ATMs may not work); medication and an alternate cooking source (barbecue or camp stove). Prepare an evacuation plan for your place and know where to hide or stand inside your house (a strong column, a specific table or closet….). And get to know the evacuation plans of the buildings you frequently use (workplace, school, a favorite mall etc). And prepare a little back pack, with your documents, extra keys, warm cloths and the portable items mentioned above, to take with you on the way out at your home; during a real event or alarm.
During an Earthquake (already moving) If you’re indoors, stay there. Get under — and hold onto –a desk or table, or stand against an interior wall. Stay clear of exterior walls, glass, heavy furniture, fireplaces and appliances. The kitchen is a particularly dangerous spot. If you’re in an office building, stay away from windows and outside walls and do not use the elevator. If you’re outside, get into the open. Stay clear of buildings, power lines or anything else that could fall on you. If you’re driving, move the car out of traffic and stop. Avoid parking under or on bridges or overpasses. Try to get clear of trees, light posts, signs and power lines. When you resume driving, watch out for road hazards. If you’re in a crowded public place, avoid panicking and do not rush for the exit. Rather than trying to remain standing, it is better to take the safety position: get down on one knee and keep the other foot flat on the ground. This way you are stable, and not in danger of toppling over. Yet with one foot on the ground, you are prepared to stand up and run if you need to quickly relocate to a safer location, or run to someone’s aid.
After an Earthquake. Check for fire or fire hazards. If you smell gas, shut off the main gas valve. If there’s evidence of damage to electrical wiring, shut off the power at the control box. If the phone is working, only use it in case of emergency. Likewise, avoid driving if possible, to keep the streets clear for emergency vehicles. Listen to the radio for important information and instructions. Remember that aftershocks, sometimes large enough to cause damage
