Homeowners need to protect more than just their house in dangerously cold temperatures like we're seeing this week.

If you work outdoors or even like to play outside with your kids regardless of the weather, you should know more about the dangers of cold weather exposure.

If you find yourself constantly shivering, you may be experiencing the first stages of hypothermia, followed by clumsiness, slurred speech, drowsiness and apathy, according to the Mayo Clinic.

A person with hypothermia usually isn't aware of his or her condition because the symptoms often begin gradually and the confused thinking associated with hypothermia prevents self-awareness.

Seek shelter right away and call for medical assistance.

Even a healthy person can be killed by exposure to hypothermia within four hours.