Problem: Article: Credit reporting companies offer free or lower cost credit locks, which are not the same as a credit freeze. A credit lock is just a contractual agreement between you and a reporting bureau. While locks and freezes essentially do the same thing, credit freezes are guaranteed by state law, so you'll have absolutely no risk of financial liability.  If you freeze your credit and someone opens a new line of credit in your name, you’ll be legally protected from any financial liability. A credit lock doesn’t offer this same legal protection. Furthermore, a lock contract with the reporting company could include undesirable terms. For example, a credit lock agreement could prohibit you from participating in a class action lawsuit if something goes wrong. Freezes do not involve a contractual agreement, and the reporting bureau would be liable for any losses. Note that credit freezes and locks do not affect your credit score. In order to freeze your credit, you have to contact all 3 nationwide credit reporting companies. Inform the customer service agent that you want a credit freeze. You’ll need to provide your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and other personal information.  Call Equifax at 1-800-349-9960 or visit https://www.freeze.equifax.com/Freeze/jsp/SFF_PersonalIDInfo.jsp. Call Experian at 1‑888‑397‑3742 or visit https://www.experian.com/freeze/center.html. Call TransUnion at 1-888-909-8872 or visit http://www.transunion.com/freeze. Fees depend on your location and are typically between $5 and $10. In some states, credit freezes are free if you’re 65 or older. When you’re on the phone with the reporting companies, ask each for a mailing address. If you filed online, check their website for the mailing address that processes freeze requests. Include your name, address, date of birth, and the date that you requested the freeze.  If you’re the victim of identity theft, include a police report with the letter you send to the reporting companies. A written letter will provide proof that you requested a freeze on a certain date. If something goes wrong, such as someone opening a line of credit in your name, it's helpful to have documentation that you exercised due diligence. You'll be able to prove that you shouldn't be liable for fraudulent charges because the reporting bureau failed to execute your freeze request. Each reporting company will send a written confirmation. It will include instructions about lifting the freeze and a PIN you’ll need in order to lift it. Store these documents in a secure place, such as a safe. A credit freeze will prevent anyone from running an inquiry into your credit history. While freezes expire after 7 years in some states, they remain in place indefinitely in the vast majority of states. If you apply for a new line of credit, job, or apartment lease, you’ll need to lift the freeze so the company can run an inquiry.  If you'll frequently be applying for lines of credit, leases, and jobs, you might want to lift your security freezes permanently instead of paying fees to temporarily thaw them every few months. Ask a new creditor, leasing company, or potential employer which reporting company they’ll use to check your credit. That way, you can lift the freeze with that company alone instead of having to pay fees to have all 3 lift your freeze. Follow the instructions in the confirmation letters to lift the freeze. You’ll call the reporting company or go online, provide your personal information and PIN, and specify the dates you want the freeze thawed.
Summary: Opt for a freeze instead of a lock. Call each of the credit reporting companies. Pay each reporting company a fee. Send written freeze requests to each reporting agency. Keep your confirmation letters and PINs safe. Lift the freeze if you’re applying for new credit, a lease, or a job.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: The first place to start is with your local weather. Turn on the local forecast or go online and look up the day’s temperature. Be aware of any inclement weather and listen especially for excessive heat or cold warnings. Take note of the temperature if you have an outdoor thermometer. This will give you some idea of the conditions outside. But keep in mind that it doesn’t give the whole story: thermometers record the air temperature. They do not register wind chill or heat index, which make it feel colder or warmer than the actual air temperature. Extreme cold can lead to hypothermia, when the body’s natural temperature gets too low, or frostbite. The Canadian Pediatric Society recommends that children play inside in temperatures under -25ºC/-13ºF However, this is the absolute limit – when the skin begins to freeze in only a few minutes.  The state of Oklahoma recommends that children play inside when wind chills fall below 10ºF. However, kids need to come inside for breaks every 20 to 30 minutes when the wind chill is below 32ºF.  In the United States, the National Weather Service will issue a wind chill advisory or warning when wind chills are low enough to pose a threat to human life. If your area is under such a warning, you should definitely keep your kids inside. Very hot conditions can put children at risk of heatstroke, heat exhaustion, burns from hot object like playground equipment, sunburn, and excessive thirst, especially during active play. Have kids stay indoors when temperatures are over 35ºC - 40ºC/95ºF - 100ºF and wait for it to cool down.  If your kids are active, or if you live in a warmer climate, it is a good idea to limit play or exercise to cooler periods in the morning or evening. Avoid playing in hot weather between 10am - 4pm.  The National Weather Service issues excessive heat warning and advisories whenever it is hot enough to be hazardous to human health. You should keep your kids inside if your area is under such a warning. Many schools have rules on what temperatures are suitable for outdoor play, and hold indoor recess if it becomes either too hot or too cold. Learn what rules your school has and try following them at home; if outdoor recess is cancelled, you’ll know the temperature is dangerous.
Summary:
Check the local weather forecast. Keep children indoors in very cold conditions. Keep children indoors in very hot temperatures. Follow your school’s guidelines.