Snow Day Smart Phone Care Tips

By Edward Cardenas

SOUTHFIELD (CBS Detroit) - With most of Metro Detroit snowed under nearly 17 inches of snow it may be tempting to capture photos and videos of the snowfall, crews clearing roads and trips to the sledding hill.

But capturing these moments on smart phones may be hazardous to the health of the device.

To prolong the life smart phones, and allow them to be utilized in case of emergency, AT&T shared tips to protect these devices in the frigid cold and snow drifts:

• Keep the wireless phone's battery charged at all times and have an alternative plan to recharge the battery in case of a power outage by using a car charger or having extra charged mobile phone batteries or disposable mobile phone batteries on hand.
• Keep the wireless phone dry. The biggest threat to a device during a storm is water (or snow), by storing it in a waterproof bag or some other type of protective covering.
• Have a "winter storm phone" such as a wireless phone on hand and at least one corded (landline) telephone that is not dependent on electricity in case of a power outage.
• Cold temperatures can permanently damage a phone by forcing the device to shut off or even causing battery damage. Be sure to limit the use of the device outside in the cold weather.
• Use a pair of touchscreen gloves while making calls or texting to avoid getting frostbite.
• Have a communications plan if family is out on the roads and make sure to have plan in place to communicate if someone gets delayed or has an emergency.