The 25 Most Important Residential Security Questions to Ask When Conducting Your Own Audit
If you want to assess your home’s security with the same mindset as a threat management expert, start by asking these 25 questions. Each one reveals potential vulnerabilities—and how to fix them.
1. How visible is your home from the street?
Why it matters: A home that's visible from the street—especially your address number—makes it easier for first responders to find you in an emergency. But too much concealment (like dense foliage or tall hedges) provides cover for criminals. If your home is tucked away, invest in lighting and clean landscaping. Uplighting can add curb appeal while casting dramatic shadows on anyone lurking nearby.
What a bad guy’s thinking: “Can I approach this house without being seen?”
2. Does your home have a fence? What kind?
Why it matters: Fences signal where public property ends and yours begins. The best offer visibility and security—tall enough to deter entry but open enough for neighbors to see through. Solid privacy fences? Great for cover. For criminals.
What a bad guy’s thinking: “Once I’m inside that privacy fence, I’ve got all the time in the world.”
3. Is your name on the mailbox?
Why it matters: Vanity mailboxes are a privacy leak. If strangers can connect your name to your home, they can research your habits, job, and travel plans. Stick to a number and invest in a lockable, tamper-resistant mailbox.
What a bad guy’s thinking: “Bingo. Johnson. He’s that partner at the law firm. And looks like he's vacationing in Bermuda next month. Plenty of time to plan.”
4. Are valuables visible through your windows?
Why it matters: Most burglaries start with what a criminal sees from the sidewalk. If you leave expensive electronics in plain sight with open blinds and no one home, you’re broadcasting your vulnerabilities. Consider tinting and privacy blinds.
What a bad guy’s thinking: “I walk my dog here just to scout. Same time. Same window. Same TV. Looks like no one’s ever home.”
5. Does your home project a protective posture?
Why it matters: Motion lights, security signs, cameras, a well-kept lawn, and signs of a dog all send the message that you take your safety seriously. Criminals prefer easier targets.
What a bad guy’s thinking: “Security system, military flag, and a big dog? Pass.”
6. Do you have a dog?
Why it matters: Dogs don’t overthink. Even a small one adds unpredictability and noise—both deterrents. Criminals want quiet and control.
What a bad guy’s thinking: “A dog and a nosy neighbor? I’m out.”
7. Who, besides family, has recently been inside your home?
Why it matters: The greatest threats often come from those who’ve already had access. A contractor or delivery person may notice your layout, valuables, or weak points.
What a bad guy’s thinking: “Thanks for letting me use the bathroom. That unlocked window will come in handy later.”
8. Can your alarm control panel be seen from outside?
Why it matters: If your alarm panel is visible through a window, it tells burglars whether your system is armed or ignored.
What a bad guy’s thinking: “They’ve got a system. But is it on? Let’s find out.”
9. Where do you store your valuables?
Why it matters: Don’t store everything in one place. Use compartmentalized storage and consider offsite safes for important documents. Avoid obvious spots like the sock drawer or closet safe—especially if it’s not bolted down.
What a bad guy’s thinking: “Watch in the sock drawer, cash in the underwear drawer, and a safe I can walk out with. Too easy.”
10. Do you live in a gated community or use access controls?
Why it matters: Gated neighborhoods and smart locks limit anonymity. With access codes, you can control who enters and when—unlike traditional keys, which work anytime.
What a bad guy’s thinking: “Signed in at the gate, ID scanned, camera on me… this neighborhood isn’t worth the risk.”
11. How well-maintained are your grounds?
Why it matters: Overgrown yards suggest no one’s home. They also provide cover for criminals.
What a bad guy’s thinking: “If they don’t take care of their lawn, they’re probably not securing the house either.”
12. Do you lock your front door consistently?
Why it matters: A shocking number of intruders simply walk through unlocked doors. Always secure all entry points, even if you're just stepping out briefly.
What a bad guy’s thinking: “If they answer the door, I hand them a flyer. If they don’t, I try the handle.”
13. Are your tools and ladders stored securely?
Why it matters: Don’t give criminals the tools to break into your home—or steal those tools for profit. Lock up ladders, mowers, and power tools.
What a bad guy’s thinking: “Thanks for the ladder. I’ll use it to check your second-floor windows, too.”
14. Do you keep an inventory of your valuables?
Why it matters: If something gets stolen, police and insurance will ask for proof. Serial numbers, receipts, and photos increase your chances of recovery.
What a bad guy’s thinking: “They didn’t mark it or log it. Even if they report it, no one can trace it back.”
15. Do your windows and sliding doors have extra protection?
Why it matters: Shatterproof film and dowels in sliding tracks make forced entry harder. They also help during storms.
What a bad guy’s thinking: “If I throw a rock and it doesn’t break, I’m not sticking around for round two.”
16. Do you have motion lights installed?
Why it matters: Motion lights are low-maintenance, energy-efficient deterrents that alert you and scare off prowlers.
What a bad guy’s thinking: “One wrong move and I’m lit up like a Christmas tree.”
17. Do you hold your mail and deliveries when traveling?
Why it matters: A pile of mail or packages screams “no one’s home.” Arrange holds or have a neighbor collect them.
What a bad guy’s thinking: “Amazon boxes. Overflowing mailbox. No movement. Easy target.”
18. Do you shred sensitive documents?
Why it matters: Trash reveals a lot. Cross-shred bank statements, bills, travel docs—even receipts. Burn highly sensitive items.
What a bad guy’s thinking: “Cross-shredded trash? This person takes security seriously. I’ll move on.”
19. Does your home gym have a panic button?
Why it matters: Accidents happen. Whether it's a treadmill fall or heart attack, a low-mounted panic button can save your life.
What a bad guy’s thinking: “Some safety features aren’t about me—they’re about helping them survive the unexpected.”
20. How do you dispose of big-ticket item packaging?
Why it matters: Don’t advertise your new tech. Break down boxes and discard them discreetly.
What a bad guy’s thinking: “New TV, gaming system, surround sound. Thanks for the heads-up.”
21. How much cash do you keep at home?
Why it matters: Cash is untraceable. Keep emergency funds, sure—but store it securely and in multiple hiding spots.
What a bad guy’s thinking: “Cash? That bumps this house to the top of my list.”
22. Where do you park your car?
Why it matters: Cars are stolen faster than ever. With proximity keys, thieves may break in just to steal your fob.
What a bad guy’s thinking: “She always leaves her purse in the car. That fob’s mine.”
23. When was your last home cybersecurity audit?
Why it matters: Your network connects everything—devices, family, finances. Secure routers, strong passwords, updated software, and skepticism about email attachments are musts.
What a bad guy’s thinking: “Do I steal your laptop, or just hack it from the driveway?”
24. Do you check emergency equipment monthly?
Why it matters: Inspect smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, flashlights, and jumper cables regularly. And practice using them.
What a bad guy’s thinking: “They’re changing tires and testing fire extinguishers? Not the kind of people I want to mess with.”
25. Do you have a nightly routine?
Why it matters: A consistent 9 p.m. checklist—locking doors, setting the alarm, closing blinds—reinforces good habits and deters opportunists.
What a bad guy’s thinking: “Everything’s locked down like clockwork. I’ll try the next house.”
FINAL THOUGHT
Your home doesn’t have to be a fortress—but it should be a place where safety is practiced, not just assumed. The more you invest in your home’s protective posture, the more likely a would-be intruder will decide your home isn’t worth the effort. And that’s the goal: a safe, confident, and prepared homefront.