We cannot afford to have a majority of our neighbors move off to shelters. Even if some of the houses in the neighborhood serve as warming huts and chuck wagons, we must still live and sleep in our own houses for our own protection. It takes months to make a house, but moments to destroy it. When a house becomes vacant, it becomes at risk from holes, freezing water pipes, and squatters. Fire or water can easily destroy a house.
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.