SAFETY: Heed these Poketips

Hello my fellow Pokemon lovers. I’ve enjoyed reading about the fun of Pokemon Go and, like Ash, I dream of becoming a trainer myself. Recently, however, I have been hearing about real world Team Rockets and some misadventures for trainers. Here’s some real world tips for you Pokemasters.

1. Saffron City is close. Unlike the game world, where you could enter complete strangers’ homes to learn or gain things, going into people’s yards or buildings is rude. You can probably still catch that wild Pokemon or use the pokestop on the street without jumping off small hills.

2. Check the town map: Know where you’re going and the safest way there. It’s normal to get lost on advents but if you go down random dark alleys, you may find Team Rocket instead of Abra.

3. My best friends: While an adventure is fun, it’s better as a group. Ash had Brock and Misty; you have your friends and family. It’s more fun and safer for all.

4. Where’s Flash when you need it: I’ve heard that while the game can be slow during the day, Pokemon Go is easier to play at night. While this may be true, remember that real world Team Rockets enjoy the night, too. If you do take on the challenge of the night, do so with other trusted trainers and plenty of “Flash” lights.

5. Item Finder: Now this comes after hearing about someone looking for Pokemon and finding a real body. It’s cool to be after that scyther in the woods, but ignoring the beauty of the real world for the digital is a real shame. You never know what amazing sights you’ll see or real world adventure, like uncovering a lost person, you could come across.

May you stay safe in your Pokemon journeys, future Pokemasters, and may you discover many wondrous places in the real world.

AUSTIN ROY ECKHARDT

Hayden