CICERO, N.Y. — The smartphone virtual reality game that has swept the nation has prompted fire departments to ask gamers to not play at stations, government compounds and even the middle of the road.
Several fire and police departments have issued statements via Facebook warning Pokemon GO gamers to avoid catching Pokemon at stations, citing the threat it poses to fire and EMS crews and the public.
The Village of Phoenix Police posted Monday night to its Facebook page, “PSA: To all the Pokemon Trainers young and old: Pokemon are ground, not in the middle of the road. This new app game: Pokemon GO is a great way for people to get outside, and get some exercise, but use caution…”
Many communities have noticed an increase in foot and vehicle traffic since the game’s release, Syracuse.com reports. The game allows user to catch virtual monsters by walking around in the real world.
The Cicero Fire Department released a PSA on its Facebook page, which has been shared by Tully Fire and EMS, Belgium Cold Springs Fire Department and Moyers Corners Fire Department. It has received more than 570 shares.