The Mexico City Secretariat for Comprehensive Risk Management and Civil Protection (SGIRPC), in coordination with the Ministry of Housing, launched the “My Backpack of Life” program, aimed at distributing 3,500 backpacks in 66 housing units located in the municipalities of Cuauhtémoc, Venustiano Carranza, Benito Juárez, Tláhuac, Iztapalapa, Iztacalco, Azcapotzalco, and Coyoacán.
The objective of this initiative is to strengthen a culture of prevention and foster community organization and responsibility among different sectors of the capital’s population, according to a statement from the Mexico City agency.
The “My Backpack of Life” program is part of the activities commemorating the 40th anniversary of the 1985 earthquake and the eight years since the 2017 earthquake, under the slogan “40 Years. Memory of a 195 Earthquake. When the People Saved the People.”
Mexico City authorities explained that this initiative seeks to strengthen collective memory regarding the importance of prevention and emergency response capacity.
At the launch event, Myriam Urzúa Venegas, head of the SGIRPC (Sector of Public Health and Public Safety), noted that earthquakes have caused significant human and material losses in the Mexican capital, in addition to generating an organized and persistent social response.
Urzúa stated: “Prevention is a collective commitment that saves lives and builds trust among residents, and that also turns memory into action.”
The official explained that the reconstruction process in Mexico City has led to the creation of new laws and institutions, such as the establishment of the National Civil Protection System in 1986.
The program includes four versions of the backpack, designed to fit the diverse needs of residents.
Where will the life backpack be delivered in Mexico City?
The Life at Risk Backpack will be distributed in 10 units identified in the high-risk atlas and contains basic items for first aid, personal hygiene, and communication, such as first-aid kits, face masks, hydrogen peroxide, and a whistle. A total of 1,000 of these backpacks is expected to be distributed.
In addition, the standard version, called My Life Backpack, will be delivered to 54 housing units, totaling 1,500 units.
This package also includes first aid supplies, hygiene items, a USB flash drive, and an informational brochure. The Life at Risk Backpack for Children is designed for children, with 500 units that include items adapted to this age group.
The initiative also includes 500 backpacks for pets, specifically designed to meet their needs in emergency situations. These include a blanket, food, food, ID card, and leash.
This year, 2025, marks 40.
The head of the Housing Secretariat, Inti Muñoz Santini, emphasized that this initiative integrates efforts to promote self-protection and co-responsibility in condominium settings, extending its reach to various social groups.
It is also noted that the distribution of these backpacks constitutes a key preventive measure against potential emergencies in the capital.
The campaign, which articulates memories of seismic events in Mexico City’s recent history, seeks to strengthen community ties and a culture of prevention.
According to authorities, organizing and training citizens are effective ways to reduce risks and save lives in the event of potential contingencies.
Source: infobae
