Pokemon Go Safety

5 Safety Tips for Playing Pokemon Go  
Are you a part of the Pokemon Go craze?  We have a few tips that help you stay safe while you catch your creatures all across your hometown. 

1. Be aware of your surroundings Looking at your phone while catching Pokemon can make you less aware of what’s going on around you, and more prone to accidents that could easily be avoided.  
   To avoid an accident, watch where you walk and stay away from hazardous areas.  There have been cases of people walking into traffic and even someone walking off of a cliff due to lack of focus - it is best to stop walking and move to the side when you are looking at your phone screen.  Also, remember to always put down your phone while crossing the street to reduce the chance of being hit by a car.  Pokemon can wait!  
   Download our First Aid App or join a First Aid class to be prepared in case an accident happens.


2. Stay in Safe Places Catching Pokemon requires you to do a lot of walking and moving around.  While this may be a great way to get some exercise and discover new places across South Carolina, it may cause you to be outside at night or go to unfamiliar areas.  Pokemon Go may be just a game, but real dangers could be lurking anywhere.   
   If you go outside at night, remember to always have a buddy and a flashlight with you.  You can download our Emergency App to access a flashlight, strobe light or an alarm in case an emergency occurs.


3. Use Safety Features Some gamers are not aware that they have the option to change the camera settings.  By removing the camera capabilities of the app, you can stabilize the Pokemon once you click on them, so you don’t have to spin around to catch them.  
   Tip: Catching the Pokemon only requires liking the circle it’s in.  You don’t have to venture closer to it if the environment does not seem safe.


4. Never Use Your Phone While Driving Remember that it is never safe to use your phone wile driving, even to catch Pokemon!  Bring a passenger along who can do the catching for you, or take public transportation.  Follow our Highway Safety Guide for more safe driving tips. 
   


5. Be Careful Outside in the Heat We should all be well aware of the extreme temperatures South Carolina is capable of reaching.  It is best that you keep track of the amount of time you’re spending in the sun playing the game.  To avoid heat exhaustion and any other complications, be sure to drink lots of water, use sunscreen and wearing a hat for extra protection from the sun.  Our Heat Safety Checklist can help you prepare you for dealing with our summertime weather.