Safety

Can I feel safe in the City of Durango?
Durango, the capital of the homonymous state, is a city of honest people and the streets are usually calmed; nonetheless, there are some problems of delinquency that can be avoided if travellers act with precaution and follow the recommendations below:

• Put your wallet in a safe place and carry with you only the money you deem necessary for the expenses of the day and no more than one credit card; it is also advisable to carry a photocopy of your passport with you.
  
  
• Do not wear too much jewellery (leave them at the hotel's safety box), they could be a temptation for thieves; mind your purse as well.
  
  
• Be extremely careful with your photo and video cameras; it is recommendable not to show them all the time and to avoid using them in places seemingly unsafe. Do not take too long in shooting your pictures and put the camera back to its case after using it; be aware at all times.
  
  
• It is best to go out always in the company of somebody; if you are travelling by yourself, try not to go too far away from familiar barrio neighbourhoods and avoid dark and isolated places at night. Before setting out on a tour, ask at the hotel's reception desk if the place you are planning to go to is safe.

• Avoid drinking alcohol in the streets for your own safety; on the other hand, do not carry with you illegal substances under any circumstances; Mexican police are stricter than that of the United States regarding these cases. The embassies prefer not to intervene when the reason for the arrest is drug dealing.

What should I do in case of an emergency?
It is advisable to call the following numbers:
Fire fighters: (52-618) 811-2040
Red Cross: (52-618) 817-3444 / 817-3535
Blood Centre of the Red Cross: (52-618) 817-0619
Blood Centre: (52-618) 811-1001
Blue Cross: (52-618) 817-0011
Transit Department: (52-618) 817-1182 / 818-9936
General Hospital: (52-618) 813-0011
Federal Highway Police: (52-618) 814-362 / 814-3620
Orientatel: 01-800 010-0111

Likewise, before any emergency or problem you can call the embassy or consulate of your country of origin.

Are natural disasters frequent in this region of Mexico?
The Sierra Madre protects Durango from hurricanes; however, there are sporadic floods in the areas by the riverbanks during the rainy season (May to October).