Can I feel safe in the City of Oaxaca?
As is the case of every state capital, the City of Oaxaca is not free of urban dangers, though the crime rates are not comparable to those of other cities. Your stay will be more pleasant and safer if you take into account the following recommendations:

• Put your wallet in a safe place and carry only the money you deem necessary for the day's expenses and no more than one credit card. It is also recommendable to carry a photocopy of your passport with you (keep the original in a safe place).
• 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 video and photo cameras. It is wise not to show them at all times and to avoid using them in seemingly unsafe places. Do not take too long in capturing your images either, and put them back into their cases right after using them; be aware at all times.
• It is better to walk around with somebody else. If you are travelling alone, try not to get away from the barrios neighbourhoods you all ready are familiar with and avoid dark and isolated places at night. Before setting off on a tour, ask at the hotel if the zone you are planning to visit is safe.
• If you need to withdraw money from an ATM, try to do it during the day and from those located inside the shopping centres or bank offices.
• If you need to take a taxi, it is recommendable to choose one of the radio equipped vehicles. Although they are more expensive than a conventional car, they are more reliable as well.
• Do not leave any valuable thing in plain view if you are driving your own vehicle.
• Avoid drinking alcohol on the streets for your own safety. On the other hand, do not carry illegal substances with you under any circumstances. Mexican police are usually stricter than US police regarding these cases. Embassies rather not intervene when the cause of the arrest is drug trafficking.

What should I do in case of an emergency?
The best thing to do is to remain calm and to go to the institutions that can help you or offer you protection. Depending on the type of emergency, it is recommendable to call the following numbers:

• Tourist Protection Centre (Ceprotur): 206 Murguia Street; phone number (52-951) 514-2155. It is the place to go if you have been robbed or if you wish to file any kind of complaint.
• Emergencies: 066
• Fire Fighters: (52-951) 516-2231/ 514-9000
• Mexican Red Cross: (52-951) 516-4455/ 513-4803

You can also go the embassy or consulate of your country of origin.

Are natural disasters frequent in the region of Oaxaca?
Floods are the main natural phenomena in the state. Caused by the outflow of the coastal rivers, their magnitude varies depending on a series of factors. Keep informed and alert if you happen to find yourself in the middle of a flood during your visit. Follow the directions of the authorities.
On the other hand, hurricanes also pound the region; although, they are infrequent and can be forecasted with days or hours of anticipation, which facilitates taking preventive measures.
Remain calm and try to keep informed if there were a hurricane alert. Follow the recommendations of the authorities, and if it is necessary to evacuate the place, do it without hesitation.