Since 1963, 911 has been the standard number to dial in case of emergencies in the United States. The number is so well-known, that Mexico adopted it this week.
For decades, Mexicans have had a hard time trying to report an emergency. There’s a number for the police, another one for the Red Cross — and even different numbers in different cities and states.
But starting this week, half of the states of Mexico will have full access to a single phone number for emergencies: 911
Two years ago, Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto announced the implementation of 911 as part of his new national security strategy. The strategy was presented just two months after the abduction of 43 students in the state of Guerrero.
President Peña Nieto stated that 911 was a was well known number among the population. Its popularity could be attributed to American movies and television.
And while some States, including Mexico City, are still not part of it, 911 is expected to work in the entire country by January of next year.
