As voice assistants grow more conversational with new AI upgrades like Alexa Plus and the eventual Siri update, it’s a great time to think about whether you’re using them to their fullest capabilities. One of the interesting ways I’ve been testing voice assistants like Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant is to see how much they can help with quick home security questions.
Whether you’re doing a split-second safety checkup, getting advice during a security installation or double-checking security regulations, here’s how a quick “Alexa” or “Hey, Google” voice command can prove surprisingly helpful — and all you need is the phone in your pocket.
Note: When I tested these questions, Google’s voice assistant was still Google Assistant. This year, it will be eventually replaced by Gemini, Google’s latest conversational AI effort. I will keep testing these services, but right now this is how the voice assistants work.
Where should I put a fire extinguisher?
Voice assistants like Alexa are good at tapping into information about protecting your home from fires, and are particularly knowledgeable about fire extinguishers. They readily supplied me with information not only on where to put them (kitchens and garages, where many fires start), but also how high to mount them on a wall and what not to do with an extinguisher (put it over the stovetop, for example).
Not sure where to put your smoke detector? Ask Google Assistant for advice.
What are the fire alarm laws in my state?
This is a useful question when you’re installing or upgrading any kinds of smoke detectors in your home, whether a single device or a DIY security system. I found some voice assistants were better than others at this question. Google Assistant was the most useful, tapping into a government site and giving specific information on exactly where the state required homes to install smoke alarms. Siri gave some helpful info, but was less reliable about tapping into state laws, while Alexa was the least helpful here.
Is my garage door closed?
This question is for those who have smart garage door add-ons which work with Alexa and Google Assistant (not as often with Siri). It can quickly answer questions about whether or not the door was closed after everyone left for the morning. If you don’t have a smart garage door controller, you can find retrofits for well under $100 that work with most modern garage doors.
Genie’s smart garage offers numerous benefits including voice assistant support.
Is the front door locked?
With a smart lock added to your front door, you can ask Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri at any time if the door is locked, unlocked or even if it was left open. Even when you’re out and about, you can use the app to lock or unlock it as needed. Plus, many smart locks have autolock features so if you forget to lock them, they’ll lock themselves after a few minutes.
Is there a power outage in my area?
It can be hard to tell if the power is out only to your home (which could indicate an electrical problem you need to handle) or if it’s out for the whole neighborhood. Again, Google Assistant did the best here, providing me with a link to my local power utility to see the latest outage news. Siri followed up with a similar link — while Alexa thought I wanted a power supply company 3,000 miles away. Maybe that’s something Alexa Plus can address.
Apple’s HomePod lets Siri answer questions without needing a phone.
Is my security system armed?
If your voice assistant can connect to your home security system (both Alexa and Google Assistant usually can), then you can ask them if your security system is armed or not. That’s useful if you aren’t at home and someone is making a surprise visit to your house, or if you are arming your system manually and can’t remember if it’s on or not.
Who left the house recently?
This one is for more advanced, conversational AI services that can review your home security videos and even recognize faces with the right subscriptions. Google already has these capabilities with Gemini’s voice assistant, and this feature is coming with Alexa Plus. I’d be very surprised if Siri’s AI update didn’t include it, either. Even third-party startups are starting to offer these services.
With this kind of AI, you can ask who left the house to get an idea of when loved ones may have departed, and bring up a security video to see where they may have gone. It can be very useful, especially if you live with elderly relatives and need to keep an eye on them. You could also sub in other questions like, “Where did I leave my keys?” or, “Did any strangers come to the door today?” and so on.
Smart displays are easy ways to keep eyes on loved ones.
Can my voice assistant call 911 for me?
It depends on the voice assistant. Currently, Siri and Google Assistant can dial 911 for you — helpful if you’re really short on time and your hands are shaky. Alexa cannot call 911, unless you pay for the Alexa Emergency Assist feature (that will cost you $6 per month), which lets you call emergency services.
Bottom line, Google Assistant is the most useful for home safety and security questions, followed by Siri and Alexa. For more info, read up on the best tips to deter burglars, the spots to never put your home security devices and security checks you should make when you arrive at your Airbnb.
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