What you need to know about safety as Houston prepares to host World Series

HOUSTON – Houston is not new to hosting big sporting events.

The city hosted the Super Bowl in February and has also hosted the NCAA men's basketball Final Four last year.

City leaders and law enforcement officials said Thursday they began preparing to host the World Series well before Game 1 was played in Los Angeles on Tuesday.

Games 3, 4 and 5 will be played this weekend in Houston.

Here’s what you need to know:

Human trafficking

Houston Mayor Sylvester Tuner said the city's four-year human-trafficking response plan will remain in effect throughout the World Series in Houston.

Bring your Astros pride, patience and phone

Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo urged visitors and guests that if they see something suspicious, say something and dial 911 immediately. Treat the crowds around Minute Maid Park and the downtown area much like you would at a busy airport.

Leave your backpacks and purses at home

This will make sure the process to get inside Minute Maid Park runs smoothly, officials said.

Carpool

Officials encouraged fans and ticket-holders to carpool to the game to alleviate traffic congestion. METRO also encouraged fans to ride light rail to the game. Every Metrorail platform is outfitted with an emergency call button. 

Celebrate responsibly

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said deputies will be on hand, assisting HPD in and around Minute Park, handling crowd control. The sheriff’s office will also have a 30-foot tower outside the stadium to keep an eye on the crowds. They will also increase their presence on roadways around Minute Mark Park, looking for suspected drunk drivers.

Emergency Operation Center will be up and running

All of the different agencies involved in security will use the facility as a nerve center and coordinate their plans accordingly.

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