<p>Keep your phone or device in a protective case By Joel Martinez Published: Tuesday, March 11, 2014, 3:30 am Related Content</p><p>SPRINGFIELD, Mass. The calendar says spring is almost here, but it's chilly, and there's still ice and snow on the ground, and there's always that threat of an early spring snowstorm.</p><p>As you take extra care to protect yourself during these cold winter months, bundling up to stay warm and driving slowly during snowstorms and downpours, are you protecting your smartphone?</p><p>The following tips from AT&amp;T can help keep your smartphone both safe and dry as you await spring's arrival:When you head outside into the elements, keep your smartphone tucked in your bag or zipped away in your pocket. It is important to keep your smartphone dry. You don't want it to fall into a puddle or snow pile, or land with a thud on a patch of ice.Keep your phone or device in a protective case, like Otterbox. These are often waterproof, drop resistant and dirt proof perfect for muddy soccer fieldsTaking your smartphone with you on the road? Make sure you don't leave it in your car during your 8-hour workday or overnight. Exposure to cold temperatures can drain your battery, cause condensation to form, or make the screen more brittle.If you do leave your phone in a cold spot for too long, bring it inside, turn it off and allow it to "warm" up to room temperature before you turn it back on.Charge your phone before you hit the road a drained battery is a bummer when you're trying to call for help after hitting one of those pesky spring potholes!</p><p><a href="http://wwlp.com/2014/03/11/are-you-protecting-your-smartphone/">Keep reading...</a></p>