Cell Phone Safety Precautions

1) Beware of Fire

While filling up your car at the pump, turn off your cell phone! Why? This is because first, some oil companies have recommended this for personal safety. Second, the high powered battery of the cell phone can conflict with fuel generating dangerous sparks or explosions. These sparks can be deadly, and can end up in huge fires!

2) Do Not Touch the Antenna

This can create power troubles in the phone and actually give out a shock. Stay away!

Fact: Any battery, no matter what kind can explode!

3) Recharging Batteries

Only recharge your battery after it has been completely discharged or your phone stops functioning. This lessens the chance of the battery exploding, and also increases battery life. Also, it is recommended to charge your phone indoors, and not outdoors in the sun.

4) Don't Use Cleaners to Clean Your Cell Phone

Its as simple as that, cleaners are not recommended when cleaning your cell phone. Use a clean soft and dry tissue or cloth.

5) Beware of Battery Explosions

If you ever drop your phone, or end up damaging the battery in some way, replace it right away (get a new battery). This is because the battery has a higher probability of exploding after getting damaged.

Getting Directions

Afraid of getting lost on the road? Google Maps may provide the answer. The Google Mobile Web site provides many services, including step-by-step directions to and from locations, complete with satellite photos and maps. This is another free feature that you should check out and practice ahead of time!

Sending Money

There may be times when you need to travel to conduct research or to visit prospective colleges. Parents may be interested to know that your cell phone can provide some security while you’re on the road.

PayPal Mobile works with an existing PayPal account to send and receive money. If you find yourself stranded on the road, your parents can send money to you and you can send money to others (like a towing service) via text messaging.

This feature takes some effort and time to set up, so you may want to consider checking it out now, before you actually need it.

Cell Phone as Audio Tool

Some cell phones come equipped with a voice recorder. This tool can be priceless if you tend to forget things. You can use the recorder to remember homework assignments, to memorize terms, to practice foreign language pronunciation, and dozens of other tasks. It's a great feature for auditory learners.

If your phone doesn't have the voice recording feature, you can accomplish many of the same tasks by sending yourself a voice message.

Cell Phones and Time Management

Most cell phones come with a scheduler to allow you to set an alarm at a certain time of day or on a certain date. You can set alarms to remind you of an established daily homework time to keep you from chatting right through your work time. For instance, you can set up a beeper that goes off every night at 7.

You could also use calendar reminders to notify you when projects and assignments are due. These reminders can be set up weeks and months ahead of time.

Reminders and alarms are some of the most useful tools on a cell phone, but they are also the least appreciated.