Protecting Your Phone and Medications During Extreme Cold in Houston

Preparing for Extreme Cold

• ❄️ Houston is preparing for a winter blast with ice, freezing temperatures, and hazardous conditions.
• ⚠️ Beyond the traditional "four Ps" (people, pets, plants, pipes), experts suggest adding a fifth: your phone.

Protecting Electronics

• 📱 Cold weather slows down lithium-ion batteries, causing phones to discharge faster and recharge less efficiently.
• ⚡ To combat this, keep your phone fully charged and carry extra batteries or portable chargers.
• ⚠️ Be cautious of sudden temperature changes when moving from extreme cold to a warm indoor environment, as condensation can damage screens.
• 🚗 Never leave your phone in a car during extreme cold.

Safeguarding Medications and Other Items

• 💊 Leaving medicines in a car during cold weather can reduce their impact or efficacy.
• 🥫 Canned drinks left in cars can freeze, expand, and burst the cans, creating a mess or hazard.
• 🏠 Experts also remind homeowners to check for pipes in unheated areas like attics and garages, especially for items like water softeners.