As a foreigner in Mexico, are you prepared to call for help in an emergency situation? First off, keep these key lakeside phone numbers close at hand and on speed dial:
Police Department Headquarters Chapala (376) 765-4444
Civil Protection/Fire Department Chapala (376) 766-5252
Police Department Headquarters Jocotepec (387) 763-0006
Civil Protection/Fire Department Jocotepec (387) 763-1804
Traffic Department/Movilidad (376) 766-4747
Cruz Roja Chapala (376) 765-2308
Emergency Hotline: 911
Primary physician: ___________
Then develop a vocabulary list that suits your language skills. Write it down for quick reference and practice until the words easily slip off your tongue. Even if the emergency operator doesn’t speak your language, these single words may be enough to convey your circumstances:
Auxilio! Socorro! Ayúdame! All three translating as Help! Other useful exclamatory words include: Ladrón! (thief), Incendio! (fire), Accidente! (accident), Emergencia! (emergency), Peligro! (danger).
To further explain what you need, say “Necesito … policia (police), bomberos (firefighters) médico (doctor), ambulancia (ambulance).
Give your address complete with street name and number, closest cross streets, neighborhood or subdivision and town: Mi direccion es Calle _____________ Número _____, entre Calle _________ y __________, Colonia ______________, Poblacíon _______________________.
That’s it! Most emergency services here use caller ID so you won’t need to give your own number. First responders can register your name upon arrival at the scene.