Water dissolves plaster or sheet-rock walls. Water promotes decay and rotting of wooden supports. In a cold house, water pipes can freeze and break, causing severe damage. A hole in a window or in the roof will also let water in. A hole in the house can let animals in to set up housekeeping.
Early detection is essential to protect the house.
Y2K may cause communication or emergency response failures. Neighbors may become your repair, rescue, or fire fighting squad. Squatters, vagrants, and thieves damage neighborhoods. Y2K may cause many to become homeless or migrate in search of water, shelter, or food. Empty houses are attractive to squatters or thieves.