As the National Weather Service warns of freezing temperatures in most states, it’s crucial to prepare for the intense cold. Here’s a list of items you should not leave in your car during freezing conditions.

Medications

Extreme cold can negatively affect the efficacy of medications, especially insulin. It’s important to contact your pharmacist or doctor to learn more about how the cold may impact your medications.

Canned Foods

The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service warns that canned food can swell in freezing temperatures. If you leave canned items in your car, it’s recommended to let them thaw in the refrigerator before opening. If the product doesn’t seem right once open, it’s best to discard it. Wrapping the item in plastic can prevent animals from later getting into spoiled food.

Musical Instruments

Extreme cold can affect instruments made of wood, such as guitars, violins, or clarinets. It’s important to remove these items from your car before a deep freeze to prevent any damage.