Coast Electric Power Association would like to warn players of the new global phenomenon, Pokémon Go, to exercise extreme caution around power lines and electrical sites.
“We were alerted to the fact that electric type Pokémon could be found around electric facilities,” said April Lollar, a media service executive with Coast Electric.
The new augmented reality game has players exploring towns and cities looking for animated characters to collect, typically in more populated areas. Though, players can be spotted searching for rare characters in less common places.
“So far we haven’t had any problems,” said Lollar who issued a press release warning game users to keep a safe distance from electrical equipment.
Some online users have posted that these types of Pokémon can be found in trees or near electric substations.
Lollar warned that not only is climbing trees to “catch” these characters dangerous, but the danger level is increased if they are near power lines.
Underground transformers, or pad-mounted transformers, are often protected with large green covers that should not be climbed for any reason, especially to catch a Pokémon, said Lollar.
Other electric companies have said their employees have found some of the game’s characters at the entrance to their substations, said Lollar.
Though players would not have to enter the gated substation to catch the Pokémon, Lollar said they would still have to be quite close, which could be very dangerous.
Lollar said all substations are fenced and marked with high-voltage warning signs.
To remain safe, the press release said adults and children playing the game should:
• Stay away from power lines, transformers, substations and other electrical work sites.
• Never contact a transformer, including underground or pad-mount transformers.
• Don’t climb on power poles or throw things at power lines.
• Stay away from fallen power lines.
• Check for power lines before climbing a tree.