The 5-Minute Home Security Audit: A Guide for Busy Homeowners
Your home is your family’s sanctuary—but is it truly safe and secure? The thought of a comprehensive security overhaul can feel overwhelming. You don't have to spend a full weekend on it to make a difference; a few simple, proactive steps can significantly reduce your risk.
With 20 years of combined military and private security industry experience, we’ve created a 5-minute audit you can perform right now to enhance your home's security.
Step 1: The Perimeter Check
Walk the outside of your home and look for simple vulnerabilities.
Doors & Windows: Give every external door a quick check. Do your kids often forget to lock the door into the garage from the yard? Are there any windows still cracked from tornado season?
Lighting: Look for areas of your property that are shrouded in darkness. Is your porch lightbulb still burned out that you’ve been meaning to replace? Is the light by your side door working? Well-lit areas are a powerful deterrent.
Step 2: The Outsider's Perspective
Stand across the street and look at your home from the perspective of an intruder.
Valuable Vistas: Can a person on the sidewalk see high-value items like a new TV, expensive electronics, or open laptop screens through your windows? A simple curtain adjustment can eliminate this visual lure.
Access Points: Are there ladders, gardening tools, or garbage cans left out that could be used to climb to a second-story window or to break a lock? Put away anything that could be used as a tool for a break-in.
Step 3: The Digital Lockdown
Security isn’t just about the physical world. Your home’s digital safety is just as important.
Wi-Fi Security: Check your router. Does it have a complex password? If your Wi-Fi is still using the default password, it's a significant vulnerability. Change it immediately.
Smart Devices: If you use smart cameras or locks, make sure they are on a separate network and have strong, unique passwords.
Step 4: The Key Audit
A quick check of your keys can prevent a major security breach.
Hidden Keys: Do you have a spare key hidden under a doormat or a fake rock? These are the first places an intruder will look. Remove any keys from obvious hiding spots.
Valet Tags: Check your keychains. Is your home address on your car key, valet tag, or anything that could be lost or stolen? Keep your home address separate from your keys.
These simple steps can make a difference. However, for true peace of mind, a professional Security Risk Assessment is the only way to get a complete security picture. A comprehensive audit reveals hidden vulnerabilities and provides a customized plan to enhance your home's and family's safety.
Ready for a more in-depth look? Contact GoodKnight Security Consulting today for a professional residential security threat assessment. GoodKnight’s founder and US Navy Veteran, Jim Ritter, will come to your home to provide a Security Risk Assessment in under an hour.
