Mexico sits on one of the world's most active seismic zones, and the twin quakes of September 2017 — which struck within weeks of each other and caused devastating losses — showed how quickly things can change. Anyone renting or owning property there, whether full-time or for extended stays, would do well to spend an afternoon making their home safer.
The biggest risks inside a home aren't always the building itself. Most injuries come from objects: heavy frames and mirrors falling off walls, wardrobes and bookcases toppling, gas lines rupturing, or glass shattering across floors. Running during the shaking is another common cause of injury, which is why the layout of your rooms matters as much as the structure.
Start with the bedroom. Keep beds away from windows and never hang heavy pictures or mirrors above where you sleep — quakes don't keep office hours, and you may be in bed when one hits. In children's rooms, strip out anything that could tip or shatter, and check outdoor play structures like tree houses for loose items above.
Next, tackle the big furniture. Tall wardrobes and loaded bookshelves can fall with surprising ease, so screw them to the wall with metal brackets — and keep them away from beds and exit routes, since a fallen unit can block your way out. Store heavy boxes and luggage low down rather than on top of cupboards. Shelving units holding crockery, tools or pantry goods should be anchored, with latches on high cupboard doors to stop contents spilling out.
Fixtures deserve attention too. Hang framed art and mirrors with double hooks (putty helps secure mirrors), check that chandeliers and overhead lamps are anchored properly — especially in older properties where ceilings may have degraded — and think twice about a heavy iron lamp hanging over the dining table. Gas-fired water heaters, standard in most Mexican homes, should be strapped to a load-bearing wall, and everyone in the house should know how to shut off the gas and water. Flexible gas piping is worth specifying if you're ever reinstalling one.
Insurance is the other half of the equation. Mexican property and contents policies can cover earthquake damage, and better ones pay for temporary accommodation if the home becomes unliveable. Not all policies are comprehensive, so it's worth checking the fine print — and the renewal date — rather than assuming you're covered.
Why does this matter to travellers? Mexico's expat and long-stay population keeps growing, and a quake can hit while you're asleep, cooking or sitting at a desk. A few hours of brackets, hooks and repositioned furniture — plus a policy that actually covers seismic events — dramatically cuts the odds that a scare becomes a disaster. Full guides on maintenance, security and insurance are available from Mexperience.
