How to help people in wheelchairs in case of an earthquake

Living through an earthquake in Mexico is something very common, so being prepared is important, especially if any member of the family uses a wheelchair.

Generally, people who use wheelchairs are accompanied by family members, assistants, or caregivers; however, when this is not the case, it is necessary to know what to do before, during, and after an earthquake.

What to do before, during, and after an earthquake?

The Secretariat of Civil Protection explained that during an earthquake in Mexico it is important to protect yourself, so it is necessary to know what to do before, during, and after an earthquake in case you are a person who uses a wheelchair or not.

Before: Prepare a card containing all the person's identification data, as well as the telephone number of a family member. The card should be carried most of the time, along with a whistle and a small emergency backpack.

During: Seek protection in safe areas, so in case of a person using a wheelchair, it is essential to try to get under a beam or some columns while covering the head with both hands. In case of being in bed and having difficulty moving, it is advisable to cover yourself with blankets and pillows.

After: In case of being trapped, it is necessary to remain calm, ask for help in a loud voice or use a whistle. If possible, contact family members and in case of emergency, it is necessary to report it to 911.

The Secretariat of Civil Protection recommends practicing drills in common areas such as home, work, and community so that people in wheelchairs and their companions know how to act and what to do in case of an earthquake.

How to assemble an emergency backpack?

According to the National Center for Disaster Prevention, it is important to have an emergency backpack that can be easy to carry in case of an earthquake in Mexico, which should include the following items:

Photocopy of your documents: Have some copies of important documents such as birth certificates, and curp, among others. You can also save them on a USB.

Flashlight: Light installations can be damaged due to an earthquake, so it is important to have a flashlight and a couple of batteries.

Radio: Although they are no longer used, it is important to have a radio that in case of being trapped or without communication, allows us to keep informed, accompanied, and alert to any recommendation from the authorities.

Water: Use bottles of water, preferably without gas.

Non-perishable food: A good option may be canned food, so it is good to choose light food, easy to open and that can provide energy.

House keys: It is important to keep a copy, since in a hurry you may forget your keys.

Warm clothes: It is not necessary to take too many clothes, with a blanket and a jacket you can fulfill this point.

Medicines: It is of vital importance in case you have relatives with medical treatment, so it is necessary to carry those medicines.