| FIFA is coming to Texas! The World Cup is coming to Texas for the FIFA World Cup; our communities are preparing to welcome thousands of visitors from across the globe. Texas will be at the center of the action, with matches taking place at AT&T Stadium and NRG Stadium. For many residents, this will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the energy and excitement of the world’s most popular sporting event right in our own backyard. While fans are busy planning game-day gatherings, purchasing team merchandise, and deciding who they’ll cheer for, it’s important to remember that safety should also be part of the game plan. Large events and celebrations often bring unique poison risks that many families may not think about until an emergency occurs. One of the biggest changes during major sporting events is the increase in visitors and gatherings. Friends and family members may stay in your home, bringing medications, vitamins, supplements, nicotine products, and personal care items that are not normally present. Curious young children often explore new environments and may mistake colorful pills, gummies, nicotine pouches, or vape devices for candy or toys. Even a single pill can be dangerous for a child, making it essential to keep all medications and potentially harmful products secured and out of reach. Watch parties can also create unexpected poisoning hazards. Tables filled with food, drinks, and snacks can make it difficult to distinguish between items that are safe to consume and those that are not. Alcoholic beverages, cannabis products, nicotine pouches, vapes, and energy drinks are becoming increasingly common at social gatherings. Children may accidentally sip from an unattended drink or pick up a flavored nicotine product that resembles candy. Taking a few extra moments to monitor beverages and properly dispose of products can help prevent a trip to the emergency room. The summer heat in Texas can also present challenges for both residents and visitors. Many fans will spend hours outdoors attending fan festivals, tailgates, community events, and outdoor viewing parties. Heat exhaustion and dehydration can develop quickly, especially for visitors who are unfamiliar with Texas temperatures. Some individuals may take extra medications, supplements, or electrolyte products in an attempt to stay energized and hydrated without realizing that excessive use can sometimes lead to adverse effects. Travelers exploring Texas may also encounter plants, insects, and wildlife that are unfamiliar to them. Children may be tempted to pick berries, touch plants, or investigate insects they find outdoors. While many outdoor encounters are harmless, some plants can cause skin irritation or illness if ingested. Insects such as caterpillars, including the asp caterpillar found throughout Texas, can cause painful reactions when handled. Educating children to “look but don’t touch” and closely supervising outdoor play can reduce the risk of accidental exposures. Families should also take precautions when traveling. Pack medications in their original containers, keep them stored securely, and never leave medicines in hot vehicles where temperatures can affect their safety and effectiveness. If staying in hotels, rental properties, or with friends and relatives, take a few moments to identify potential poison hazards. Before your next FIFA watch party or gathering, conduct a quick “safety sweep” of your home. Secure medications, vitamins, nicotine products, cannabis products, alcohol, and household cleaners. Check that guests’ belongings are out of reach of children and save the Poison Help number—1-800-222-1222—in your phone. If a poisoning emergency occurs, help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Poison Help line connects callers directly with poison experts who can provide immediate, free, and confidential guidance. | 
