Extreme cold temperatures could keep smart devices from working properly
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Temperatures dropping below zero could create problems for smart devices if you need to go outside.
A store manager for US Cellular, Nicholas Williams, said the extreme cold causes molecules in lithium-ion batteries to shrink, creating potential issues for displays, buttons and battery life.
To keep cell phones or other devices working during these bitterly cold temperatures, experts have several recommendations.
- Keep your device fully charged
- Keep your device in a case
- Carry your device in a pocket
- Avoid storing devices in cold places. If it powers off due to the cold give it time to warm up before turning it back on.
- Never use heating tools like a blow dryer
If you do have to get out on the roads, Nick Chabarria with the American Automobile Association said to take a cellphone charger, jumper cables and a blanket to prepare for the worst.
"We have seen battery service calls skyrocket in the last week's cold temperatures and we expect that to continue as it's going to be below freezing for the next few days," he said.
With more snow settling in, Chabarria said it could take longer for AAA assistance to reach you if you get stuck out on the roads.
"Our drivers are very experienced, they are trained and know how to handle these winter conditions, but when it's as bad as it is sometimes you may be waiting," he said.
The ABC 17 Stormtrack Weather team has issued a Weather Alert Day because of snow and dangerous temperatures Monday and Tuesday.
Temperatures on Monday were sitting around 0 degrees, dropping below 0 in some areas in Mid-Missouri. Two inches or more of snow is expected to fall over much of the area before it ends Monday night.
