10 Pokemon GO Safety Tips from Your Patch.com Editor

WISCONSIN -- If you've downloaded Pokemon GO on your smartphone in recent days and are beginning your foray into community-based "augmented reality" games, Scott Anderson, your Milwaukee Regional Editor from Patch.com has a few tips for you.

Scott doesn't play Pokemon GO, but he's played Ingress - another GPS-enabled game that requires players to get out into the community to explore landmarks, public places and area neighborhoods.

Scott wants you to be safe. Here are 10 tips - some of which he's learned the hard way !

Here are his 10 tips to stay safe while playing.

1. Avoid traveling with your eyes fixated on your mobile device. If you're moving in your car during gameplay, you put yourself and others at risk.

2. If you're traveling in an unfamiliar area, let someone know where you will be.

3. People may think you're a suspicious person. There have been notable stories where players had the police called on them because they were in a public place at odd hours.

4. If the police stop you on a report of being suspicious, understand that community concerns are greater than your gameplay concerns. Calmly explain that you're just playing a video game and show police you're willing to listen to them when they stop you.

5. Know park hours. You can get cited by local authorities, and most communities have park hours posted near the entrance.

6. It's just a game. Remember, you may have opponents during gameplay, but they are not your 'enemies.'

7. If gameplay requires car travel, download an intel map of the area you're going to play, and plan your route. Pull off the road into a parking lot or parking space and commit to walking to your destination a short distance away if gameplay requires you to do so.

8. Walk! Most GPS-enabled games require you to get out into the community. They're designed to get your body up and moving - and in better shape.

9. Bring a friend. Pokemon GO is designed as a social game, and you'll end up being safer and having more fun in the long run when you play with friends.

10. Manage your battery life. Your phone is your primary communication device in the community. Be sure to have a phone charger/charging cord with you or stored in your vehicle. Invest in a portable battery charger and make sure to periodically charge it and have it handy during times of extended gameplay.