How to Run a 'Personal Safety Audit' on Your Neighborhood and Apartment Building

Jun 13

Moving into a new apartment or just developing a greater awareness of your surroundings is a big step. Beyond the color you want to paint the walls or where the nearest good coffee is, there's a deeper sense of security everyone craves. You want to feel safe, not just be safe. But how can you be sure about your environment?

The answer is to be proactive. Instead of waiting for a reason to feel uneasy, you can conduct a ‘Personal Safety Audit.’ It’s a simple, empowering process of evaluating your surroundings to identify potential security weaknesses and, more importantly, address them.

This guide will walk you through, step-by-step, how to audit both your wider neighborhood and your specific apartment building, giving you a complete picture of your personal security landscape.

Part 1: The Macro View — Your Neighborhood Safety Audit

Your home’s security starts with the streets around it. Understanding your neighborhood is the first layer of your safety net.

Step 1: Start with Digital Reconnaissance

Before you even step outside, your laptop or phone can tell you a lot.

Check Crime Data: Use online resources to get a feel for the area. Websites like CityProtect.com allow you to view crime maps and receive neighborhood alerts. Your local police department’s website is also an excellent source of official local data. Look for patterns: Are break-ins common? Is package theft a recurring issue?
Walk the Streets (Virtually): Use Google Maps Street View to take a virtual tour. Pay attention to the general upkeep of the area. Are the streets well-lit? Is there a lot of graffiti or vandalism? Do sidewalks and public spaces look cared for?

Step 2: The Daylight Walk-Through

Now, it’s time for an in-person look. During the day, walk a five-block radius around your home. Keep your eyes open for:

Community Vibe: Do you see neighbors talking? Are people walking dogs or kids playing in parks? An active, engaged community is often a safer one.
Visibility & Upkeep: Look for well-maintained public spaces, clear street signs, and an absence of litter or abandoned properties. Overgrown landscaping and broken fences can offer hiding spots and may suggest neglect.
Lighting: Take note of the number and placement of streetlights. These will be critical for your nighttime assessment.

Step 3: The Nighttime Drive-By

Neighborhoods can feel completely different after dark. Do a slow drive-through (or a walk, if you feel comfortable and have a friend with you) and assess:

Illumination: Are those streetlights you saw earlier actually working? Are there dark spots between lights or poorly lit alleyways?
Activity: What’s the atmosphere like? Is it deserted, or are people still out and about in a positive way (e.g., dining at cafes, walking home)?
Noise Levels: Pay attention to the ambient sounds. Is it quiet, or are there disruptive noises that make you feel on edge?

Part 2: The Micro View — Your Apartment Building Audit

Once you have a handle on the neighborhood, it’s time to zoom in on your building and your own unit.

Step 1: Evaluate Common Areas

These are the shared spaces you and your neighbors use every day.

Entrances & Exits: Is the main entrance secure? Does the door lock firmly behind people? Are secondary entrances like garage doors or side doors also secured?
Lobbies & Mailrooms: Mailrooms are a hotspot for package theft. Is the area well-lit and visible? Does your building have security cameras in place? If not, this is a major vulnerability.
Hallways & Stairwells: Check for adequate lighting and clear pathways. Dark, cluttered hallways can be a security risk.

Step 2: Assess Your Apartment's Entry Points

Your own front door is the primary barrier between you and the outside world.

The Door Itself: Is the door made of solid wood or metal? Does the frame look sturdy?
Locks: A single, basic lock isn't enough. You should have a strong deadbolt that extends at least one inch into the doorframe.
The Peephole: Can you clearly see who is outside without them seeing in? If it’s cloudy or damaged, it’s useless.
Windows & Balconies: Check that all window locks are functional. If you’re on a lower floor, are your windows easily accessible from the outside? Sliding glass doors are notoriously easy to force open and should be reinforced with a security bar.

Your At-a-Glance Safety Audit Checklist

Use this quick list to track your findings as you assess your home and neighborhood.

Neighborhood & Community

☐ Crime Stats: Researched local crime maps online.
☐ Daylight Walk: Assessed public spaces, visibility, and general upkeep.
☐ Nighttime Lighting: Checked for working streetlights and poorly lit areas.
☐ Community Vibe: Observed for an active and engaged community presence.

Apartment Building & Common Areas

☐ Main Entrance: Confirmed the main door is secure and latches properly.
☐ Secondary Entrances: Inspected garage, side, and back doors for security.
☐ Mailroom: Checked for good lighting, visibility, and potential package theft risks.
☐ Hallways & Stairs: Ensured common pathways are well-lit and clear of obstructions.

Your Personal Apartment Unit

☐ Front Door: Inspected the door and frame for sturdiness.
☐ Deadbolt: Confirmed you have a strong deadbolt lock (at least 1-inch).
☐ Peephole: Verified it provides a clear, wide-angle view.
☐ Window Locks: Tested all window locks to ensure they are fully functional.
☐ Sliding Doors/Balcony: Checked locks and identified a need for a reinforcement bar.

Building Your Renter-Friendly Safety Net with Kangaroo

Did your audit reveal a few gaps? That’s normal, and it’s where you take control. For renters, drilling holes and running wires isn’t an option. You need security that’s effective, affordable, and flexible.

That’s where Kangaroo comes in.

See Who's There, From Anywhere: If your door lacks a peephole or you want to screen visitors and deliveries, the Kangaroo Doorbell Camera is your new best friend. It’s simple to install and lets you see and talk to anyone at your door right from your phone.
Secure Every Entry Point: For ultimate peace of mind, place our peel-and-stick Motion + Entry Sensors on your doors and windows. You'll get an instant alert on your phone if anything is opened, giving you crucial time to react.
An Alarm Without the Wires: Add a Siren + Keypad to your system. If a sensor is tripped, the 85-decibel siren will sound, deterring intruders while alerting you and your neighbors.
Affordable, 24/7 Protection: For just a few dollars a month, you can upgrade to one of our professional monitoring plans. If a break-in is detected, our certified monitoring center will contact emergency services for you, whether you’re home or away. It’s contract-free security on your terms.

Your Safety is in Your Hands

Conducting a personal safety audit isn’t about creating fear—it’s about building confidence. By understanding your environment and taking smart, simple steps to secure your space, you can create a home where you feel truly safe and sound.

Ready to patch the security gaps your audit uncovered? Explore Kangaroo’s customizable home security kits and build your personal safety net today.

Kangaroo