Afraid of hypothermia, icy roads? How to stay safe during snow storms.

Winter can bring intense cold, snow, sleet, and freezing rain across the United States and its territories. Even Hawaii gets snow on its Big Island, and major cities as far south as Atlanta and Dallas have been paralyzed by snow and ice, the National Weather Service reports.

Thousands of people are injured or killed every year in traffic accidents related to slippery roads from winter storms, the weather service warns. So what should you do to prepare for winter?

Your home, your car, your family and even your wardrobe could use a check up to make sure you’re ready when temperatures plunge.

Avoid hypothermia

A common winter weather killer is hypothermia, which is a dangerously low body temperature brought about by extreme cold, according to the National Weather Service. When you hear of a hiker, climber, hunter, or a stranded traveler perishing from cold weather exposure, hypothermia was the likely cause.

Most people are surprised to learn that hypothermia deaths can occur with temperatures between 30 and 50 degrees, the weather service said. If you or your clothes are wet, then hypothermia becomes even more likely.

"Warning signs of hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, slurred speech, and drowsiness," the weather service said. "Immediate medical attention should be given to victims suspected of suffering from hypothermia. If no help is available, the victim should be warmed slowly with warm liquids along with dry clothing and blankets."

Safety: How to stay safe in the cold

For unhoused people, winter is an especially dangerous and deadly time. According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, in the United States, around 700 people experiencing or at risk of homelessness die from hypothermia each year. Hypothermia is a leading cause of injury and death among people experiencing homelessness.

Tips from someone who knows cold weather

In Grand Forks County, North Dakota, winter messaging starts in October, usually in a lighthearted manner, then get very specific as temperatures plunge, said Kari Goelz, emergency management director for Grand Forks County.

Goelz grew up in Minnesota, so she knows cold. However, many newcomers to her community – one of the coldest major cities in the country – are not familiar with the safety precautions needed in a place where the average winter temperature is just 10.8 degrees. The county is home to the University of North Dakota and an Air Force base that attract new residents, including many who haven't lived with snow before.

“You’d be amazed how many kids set out in their cars with just their T-shirts,” she said. “We try and explain to them that you need a coat because what if you get stuck and you can't run your car.”

Preparing your car isn't just for people who live in North Dakota. Driving during winter weather puts you at greater risk than staying home ? that means your car needs special attention, according to the weather service.

Getting ready for winter involves protecting yourself, preparing your car, driving safely in winter weather, winterizing your home and having supplies in case the electricity goes out for an extended period of time.

Once winter storms begin arriving, don't forget to check on neighbors, friends and family, especially those who are vulnerable, such as the elderly who live alone. If you are concerned about staying warm in your home, experts suggest having an evacuation plan ready in advance, so you can evacuate and get settled before the storm begins.

Goelz, the National Weather Service and the Red Cross offer these tips:

Preparing your home for snow, cold

Well before winter storm advisories begin, make sure you've taken steps to ensure your home and family is fortified against the cold, advised Goelz. “Prepare for the worst day," for example a winter storm so severe that you lose power and can't leave your home for a week.

• Make sure your home can be safely heated.

• Always have supplies on hand for up to 10 days, in case you’re without power or can't leave home, including non-perishable food, medicines, water and pet food.

• Have your furnace checked.

• Is your snow blower working?

• Keep out the cold with caulking, and weather stripping, and check to see if repairs are needed.

• Check batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

• Are your water pipes protected? Some people insulate their pipes, some wrap with heat tape. Others let their faucets drip a little to prevent frozen pipes.

• Use battery-powered lights and flashlights, and have back-up batteries.

Preparing your car or truck for snow, cold

Roads outside cities can often become impassable pretty quickly when it's snowing, Goelz said. When a car winds up in a ditch in the winter, it’s often from “someone who hasn’t driven in the winter before.”

In North Dakota, during blizzard conditions and severe winter weather, responders such as the Highway Patrol are stretched thin and not going anywhere fast, she said. “If you don’t respect a road closure, they’re not going to come and get you because it’s too dangerous.”

That can be “pretty scary,” Goelz said. “If you do go off the road and get stuck, stay with your vehicle and call 911. If the roads haven’t closed, they will try to get to you.”

• During winter storm and blizzard conditions, stay off the road, unless absolutely necessary, Goelz said.

• Check the weather before traveling and make sure your cell phone battery is charged.

• If you have to drive, slow down and be sure your headlights are on.

• Have a safety kit inside the car in case you get stranded, with blankets, water, non-perishable foods that are high in energy and medication for up to three days.

• Have enough blankets, clothes and supplies for everyone in your car.

• If you have to travel, make sure someone knows where you are going to be and when you expect to arrive.

If you do get stranded in your vehicle in the snow

If you are driving and happen to slide off the road or get stranded by weather conditions, experts say these tips could help keep you alive.

• Stay in your vehicle, unless you see potential assistance less than 100 yards away.

• Turn on the engine for 10 minutes an hour, using the heater, but make sure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow and a down wind window is open for ventilation.

• Do light exercises to keep extremities moving.

• If there are two or more people in the vehicle, take turns sleeping.

How to stay safe in your home when the electricity is out

When the power goes out and you're going to be inside your home, safety measures are important to prevent deadly carbon monoxide poisoning and fires.

• Be careful with space heaters and fireplaces.

• Don’t use a grill or camp stove inside your home.

• Beware of the fire risk with candles.

• Know generator safety and only use generators outdoors in well-ventilated places away from windows.

• Know the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, and if you feel sick, dizzy or weak, get fresh air immediately.

Carbon monoxide poisoning: How to identify it, how to prevent it

How to dress for for snow, cold

It may be inconvenient or time-consuming to layer on the sweater, jacket, scarf and cap, but donning layers when you have to be outside can help save lives and limbs. Be sure you have warm clothes that fit for everyone in your home, then don't forget to wrap up. And just in case, know the signs of hypothermia.

• If you must go outside, know how to dress for cold weather, wearing layers.

• Keep your nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers and toes warm and dry.

• Wear water-resistant boots.

• Wear mittens or gloves when going outside.

• Wear a hat.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Stay safe from hypothermia during winter weather: Snow safety tips