Pokemon GO has officially taken the Philippines by storm, and that really isn’t any surprise. What does surprise me, though, is how some people have so quickly forgotten the most basic safety rules just to be able to play the game as much as possible.
As such, here are a few reminders to ensure that you and your phone stay safe at all times.
5 Safety Reminders for Playing Pokemon GO in the Philippines
5. Dress appropriately.
This might sound stupid, but I have witnessed a friend walk around in the rain without an umbrella or a jacket just to be able to catch a Pokemon nearby. And it wasn’t just a drizzle kind of rain. It was a downpour kind of rain.
Make sure you are always dressed appropriately when hunting for Pokemon in order to stay healthy and safe. Since it’s been raining a lot, think about bringing around an airtight waterproof plastic cover for your phone, too, in case you still have one from your last beach escapade.
4. Watch where you’re going.
People all over the country have their noses stuck in their phones now because of Pokemon GO and while there’s nothing wrong with playing the game while walking, please do make sure you always stay safe by watching where you’re going.
As the MMDA said, don’t play the game when crossing the street or at the very least use the designated footbridges when available.
(RELATED: MMDA Reminds Pokemon GO Players to be Responsible Pedestrians)
To stay even safer, don’t look at your screen at all and just use the battery saving function and vibration function on the app to stay in the know of any Pokemon nearby.
3. Keep your phone hidden.
It’s crazy how quickly some people have forgotten how unsafe the Philippines is just because Pokemon GO is now in their lives. In jeeps, while walking around in the dark… People are playing the game non-stop without thinking about snatchers anymore. Please do put your phone away when in unsafe places or at least keep it discreetly hidden if you’re commuting, especially on a jeep.
2. Keep an eye on your belongings.
On that note, be aware of your surroundings at all times, as well. If you’re really so deep into the game that you simply can’t stop playing even while commuting, keep an eye on your other belongings at the very least. And maybe silently pray that any snatchers nearby are playing the game, too.
1. Do not play while driving.
And the most important rule of all that so many friends are now ignoring: DO NOT PLAY POKEMON GO WHILE DRIVING. I cannot even begin to explain how dangerous this is.
I have already heard two stories about people who have gotten into minor car accidents because of Pokemon GO; let’s not wait until a major accident happens. Instead, resist the urge to play while driving or, if there are other people in the car with you, ask them to monitor the game for you.
Other than that, of course: HAVE FUN! 😀 Got any cool Pokemon GO stories to share with us? 🙂
