By Curtis D. Tucker, Enid Buzz | Monday, July 11, 2016
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ENID, Okla. - Pokémon GO is officially a worldwide craze and a hit for the summer of 2016. As with everything good there are always going to be downsides. Things are happening quickly in the new Pokémon World and this is causing some unforeseen problems. We've been watching the news and have some safety tips to keep everything fun for everyone.
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1. Major Pokéstops are located in the main centers of town and areas with lots of activity. In Enid, that area is the downtown square. Spend time there and avoid secluded locations.
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2. Public parks, museums, monuments, school and churches have lots of activity. You will need to respect the posted guidelines for each location. Learn and observe while you're out!
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3. Do not trespass. You cannot invade others privacy trying to collect a Pokémon and you must abide by curfews. Capturing a character does not give anyone license to break a law.
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4. When searching at night, only search in well lit areas. Holes, bushes, rocks and other obstacle can lead to injuries. Pay attention to where you are walking.
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5. Do not play while driving and do not ask your driver to pull over quickly or distract them while they are driving. Distracted driving will lead to a ticket and possible accident. This is a walking game.
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6. If you are playing at night or in areas that you are not familiar with be sure and go as a group. Parents should not let their children wonder off or disappear from eyesight. There is safety in numbers.
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7. Be aware of your data and battery limits. Playing the game can become distracting and before you know it your battery can run down or you might go over your allowed data.
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8. Do not watch your screen while crossing parking lots and streets. Follow traffic lights when crossing at intersections. Your life is more important than a game.
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9. Look out for others while walking on sidewalks or trails. Others may not be watching out for you and you should avoid running into others.
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10. Your phone will buzz when a Pokémon appears so you do not need to stare at your screen while walking. Do not block sidewalks or trails while capturing a Pokémon.
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11. Do not disrupt a business or enter buildings that should not have excessive traffic like police stations. You can usually do what you need to from outside of the building.
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12. Remind your kids not to leave with strangers even to find a Pokémon. Pokémon GO can lead to strangers helping each other. If you feel uneasy leave immediately.
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13. Stay off of train tracks. It is illegal to walk on or play around train tracks even if they have a Pokémon on them.
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14. Stay hydrated if you play during the heat of the day and be sure to have extra water someplace you can reach in a reasonable amount of time.
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15. Do not cross fences. You do not know if a mean dog could be on the other side. A fence usually means you do not have permission to be inside that area.
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16. Show respect at cemeteries. Do not intrude on funerals.
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17. WARNING TO PARENTS: To get further in the game players have the ability to make in-app purchases. Make sure you are aware of any purchases your child makes.
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Above all have fun! Pokémon GO is a great way for families to spend time together and it's an excellent way of getting some exercise. There are already many "Debbie Downers" out there poo-pooing the game, so be safe and don't give them any reason to complain.
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If the game is already driving you crazy, try to remember it's all about having fun and it's a fad. It will go away and something new will come along to take the place of your annoyance. Let others have their fun.
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Not sure what Pokémon GO is? Here's my first experience with Pokémon GO.
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Pokémon GO Safety Tips
