NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Just like during extreme heat, some items can become damaged when left in a cold vehicle.
Temperatures are forecasted to reach 20-30 degrees below average, with the worst of the cold happening Monday and Tuesday morning, according to the forecast.
In fact, WKRN meteorologists predict the National Weather Service is likely to issue weather alerts due to dangerously cold temperatures.
News 2 previously reported on items to include in your car’s weather survival kit in case you get stranded during dangerous traveling conditions.
However, as potent Artic air is expected to invade Tennessee, here are some items you should avoid putting in your vehicle.
Electronics
Apple warns that leaving devices in cold temperatures can cause them to “change behavior.” In fact, when you leave your phone or any other electronic device in very cold conditions, you risk temporarily shortening the battery or stop the device from charging . According to Apple, battery life will return to normal when devices are brought back to “higher ambient temperatures.”
Liquids
If you want to avoid cleaning up a big mess, make sure to remove any bottled liquids from your vehicle before extremely cold temperatures arrive. When liquids freeze, they expand. So, leaving bottled liquids in your vehicle during colds temps, such as water or soda, can lead to them exploding, leaving a sticky mess to clean!
Pets
Even though hot cars are known to be a threat to animals, veterinarians warn that cold vehicles pose a significant risk as well. The American Kennel Club said it’s dangerous to assume that your pet’s fur will be enough to protect them from extreme cold. In fact, if pets are left alone in a cold car for too long they can develop hypothermia, which if left untreated, can result in cardiac and respiratory failure, brain damage, coma and even death, according to the AKC.
Glasses
According to Webeyecare.com, exposing prescription glasses to extreme cold can cause the lenses to expand and contract. The company added frames are likely to warp in cold weather, especially if they’re plastic. Damaged and warped frames can reportedly affect how eyes align with lenses, which can lead to headaches and prevent folks from seeing as clearly as they would with aligned frames.
Eggs
After you go grocery shopping, make sure to remove eggs from the vehicle! The USDA says eggs should not be frozen in the shells, adding that if an egg accidentally freezes and the shell cracks, discard it.
Medication
Just as hot temperatures can damage medications, cold temperatures can affect them as well. Baystate Health states most medicines should be stored at room temperature between 59° to 77° Fahrenheit. However, when some medicines are left in a cold car they can freeze, which can make them unstable. Experts added there is no way to know if frozen medication is still good when it thaws out, so it’s best to get it replaced.
Musical instruments
Musicians in the Nashville-area might want to take heed to this warning: do not leave your instruments in cold vehicles for too long. According Yamaha Music USA, wooden instruments can crack in cold temperatures and even change the weight and sound.
Canned goods
Cans freeze in cars during cold temperatures and can present health problems, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Just like liquids, frozen cans can also swell in the cold, which can cause them to burst. The USDA advises if the product doesn’t look or smell normal, you should “throw the cans out immediately, wrapping the burst can in plastic and disposing the food where no one, including animals can get it.”
Don’t forget to take the power and reliability of the WKRN Weather Authority with you at all times by downloading the News 2 Storm Tracker app.
