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How the cold temperatures will affect school buses and your family

Posted at 7:00 PM, Jan 18, 2016
and last updated 2016-01-18 19:00:25-05

RICHMOND, Va -- It's going to be extremely cold the next few days and you need to take steps to protect your family and your car.

When school bus drivers head out Tuesday morning, temps will be in the low to mid teens.

"They'll know right away if their diesel engines are going to fire up or not turn over at all," said Rik Hazelwood with Virginia Truck Center. "They Could have a coolant system freeze up, battery maintenance is a big deal, especially before the cold hits, that's when battery problems really show up when it gets cold."

When it comes to school buses Hazelwood says most school divisions have strict bus maintenance schedules they follow. But he says with extreme cold temperatures, there is always going to be a problem.

Auto mechanics said when you're heading off to work in the morning, it's also a good idea to let your car warm up for about fifteen minutes, to help protect the motor.

To protect your children who may be waiting for the bus, dressing warmly will help prevent frostbite or hypothermia.

Dr. Eric Freeman, a pediatrician with Old Dominion Pediatrics, said the key is simple, hat on the head, gloves on the hand, wear warm socks, and dress in breathable layers.

Dr. Freeman said while children can wait for the bus, parents need to try and limit how long they are outside in extreme cold. And on the other hand while at school, teachers need to monitor the children outside at recess.

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