How to Stay Safe While Playing Pokemon Go

Pokemon Go is taking the world by storm. With an estimated 9.5 million daily actives users and growing, people can’t stop talking about it. But there may be some unintended safety issues that the developers at Niantic, Inc. didn’t think about. Here are some tips to ensure you stay safe while playing the game.

TAKE THE PROPER GEAR

When you start walking on a Poke Walk or a Poke Hike, you can often get caught up in all the fun and spend hours upon hours walking. Be sure to bring a bottle of water with you, so you don’t get dehydrated. Also, consider taking a snack, just in case you get hungry. Lastly, wear bright, visible clothing, especially at dark. That way you can be easily seen if it starts to get dark.

BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS

Be aware of your surrounding and avoid walking into the street or onto people’s property. Make sure you don’t look suspicious wandering around the neighborhood. It may not be right, but people may get the wrong idea and you could be putting your life in danger.

Also, be careful about lures at poke stops. There have been some reports of people putting lures out to attract trainers and mug them. Consider the time and location the lure is being placed. Is it well-trafficked and day-time? Well, then it’s probably safe for you to go. On the other hand, if it’s later at night or a more secluded place, you may want to reconsider going or taking a few friends with you at the very least.

RESPECT PRIVATE PROPERTY

Don’t go on people’s private property to catch pokemon. People have been shot for trespassing on private property. So, be careful. Instead, go to public parks and city hot-spots to catch pokemon instead. These spots are likely to be lured and have rare pokemon.

Also, don’t knock on people’s doors or let strangers in to catch pokemon. You can almost always get close enough on the street to catch a pokemon without having to go into someone’s house.

DON’T CATCH AND DRIVE

While it may be hard not to check your phone when a text message arrives and even harder when there is a pokemon, you must resist catching and driving. You don’t want to get hurt while playing Pokemon go.

Pokemon doesn’t even work well at high speeds and it is also extremely dangerous and illegal. Just don’t do it! Seriously! If you do want to play while in the car, make sure you have someone else driving the car for you.

Pokemon go is a fun, interactive game that allows you to explore your neighborhood, get exercise and meet new people. So, no need to stop playing. Just be sure to stay safe while catching them all.

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