Safety

Can I feel safe in Villahermosa?
Travellers should have no problem on their tours through the capital of Tabasco; however, you must always take a few precautions:

• Put your wallet in a safe place and carry with you only the money you deem necessary for your day's expenses and no more than one credit card.
  
  
• Do not wear too much jewellery (leave them at the hotel's safety box), for they could be a temptation for thieves; do not neglect your purse either.
  
  
• Be extremely careful with your video and photo cameras; it is advisable not to show them at all times, and avoid using them in seemingly unsafe places.
  
  
• It is preferable to go out in the company of someone, and if you are travelling by yourself, try not to get far from the barrios you all ready know, and avoid dark and isolated places at night. Before setting off on a tour, ask at the hotel if the zone you are going to is safe.
  
  
• If you wish to take a taxi, especially at night, it is recommendable to call the firms that have radios; another option equally recommendable is to take the taxis that are parked in front of the hotels.
  
  
• Avoid drinking alcohol in 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 on this regard, and the embassies rather not intervene when the reason for the arrest is drug dealing.

What should I do in case of an emergency?
Call the following numbers according to your emergency:

*Safety for Tourists: 01800-039200
*Fire Fighters: (52-993) 315-6609 / 315-5670 / 315-5800, extension 2701
*Red Cross: (52-993) 315-5555 / 315-2015 / 315-5600
*Preventive Federal Police: (52-993) 315-3410 / 315-1702 / 315-1346
*Federal Highway Police: (52-993) 315-1702 / 315-1346
*Judicial State Police: (52-993) 315-2517 / 315-1702
*Emergencies: 066
*Migration: (52-993) 315-1588

Are natural disasters frequent in Tabasco?
Due to its geographic location, close to the Gulf of Mexico, its large rivers and its extensive forest areas, the lands of Tabasco tend to be pounded by hurricanes, earthquakes, floods and wild fires.
Although these phenomena are not frequent, travellers should take into account the following recommendations:

In case of floods:

• Follow to the letter the recommendations issued by the authorities.
• Bear in mind that water is a good electricity conductor; for this reason keep away from poles and fallen cables.
• In case of evacuation, carry with you only indispensable items.
• Avoid walking along inundated zones, even in case of shallow waters for they may rise abruptly.
• If you are in a forest area move quickly to higher grounds for the rains usually drag tree trunks, rocks and dead animals; likewise, it is not recommendable to cross the rivers.

In case of earthquakes:

• The most important thing is to remain calm and not panic.
• If you are in a room or some other space indoors, get away from objects that may fall, slide or break.
• Do not use the lifters.
• Shot down the gas and electricity and do not light a match for it may cause a fire.
• If you are on the street during the quake, get away from tall buildings and go to safe areas such as plazas and parks.

In case of hurricanes:

• Keep informed regarding ongoing safety measures through a battery operated radio.
  
  
• Unplug all your appliances and cut the gas and electricity off.
• Get away from doors and windows and do not approach them frontally in case the wind blows one open.
• Do not lit candles, use torches.
• Do not go out until the authorities say so; bear in mind that the eye of the hurricane creates a calmness that can last up to one hour, only to hit again even harder; do not lower your guard.

In case of wild forest:

• Get away from the area and call the authorities immediately (066), in order for them to send specialised personnel to control the fire.