Dwell Secure is a property preparedness platform created to help people access and understand essential details about their homes when it matters most. Developed from firsthand experience in emergency response, its mission is to make critical information, such as utility shutoffs, appliance details, and maintenance records, accessible and shareable among those who rely on it.
The idea took shape through years of service. Founder Andrew Leith, a captain with over two decades in the fire service, spent much of his career responding to situations that often began with a simple gap in knowledge. During disaster-preparedness classes he taught, a recurring pattern emerged: many homeowners were unfamiliar with the most basic operational aspects of their own properties.
“With each class I taught, more and more attendees expressed that they were not aware of how to shut off their basic utilities,” he shares. “Most of them could not even locate the shut-offs.” That realization evolved into a broader question: how could this information become easier to access before urgency sets in?
Dwell Secure emerged as an answer to that question. The platform allows users to build a detailed, digital record of their property, beginning with foundational elements such as water, gas, and electrical systems. Through guided steps, users can document exact locations, upload photos, and create simple tutorials for operating key systems. The process unfolds intuitively: add a property, log essential resources, and share access with others who may need it. This structure aims to transform scattered or overlooked details into a cohesive, usable reference point.
Leith emphasizes that Dwell Secure’s functionality extends beyond emergency scenarios, weaving into everyday property management. Users can store appliance information, track service histories, and set reminders for routine upkeep. This creates a living archive of the home that evolves alongside it. “Over time, this kind of record can serve as a reference that helps people keep track of seasonal maintenance, equipment care, and everyday upkeep in a way that feels organized and easy to manage,” Leith explains.
That continuity also supports shared living environments. Property managers can provide tenants with clear guidance on handling basic issues, while homeowners can share access with family members or roommates. For households where one member frequently travels or serves in demanding roles, the app offers a way to pass along knowledge that might otherwise remain informal.
Leith notes the significance of this dynamic through personal observation. He says, “Usually, the mechanically inclined person is the one who knows how everything works. When they’re away, that knowledge goes with them.” Dwell Secure offers a way to preserve that understanding in a format others can easily follow.
The platform also accommodates mobile properties such as boats and recreational vehicles, where operational knowledge plays a significant role in both safety and enjoyment. By centralizing instructions, maintenance reminders, and system details, users can approach travel with greater clarity around how everything functions. “Whether navigating open water or planning a road trip, the same principle applies. Important information stays within reach,” Leith remarks.
The founder adds that as the platform developed, its purpose expanded from a single-use preparedness tool into a more comprehensive system for property awareness. This evolution reflects Leith’s experiences across a wide range of emergency environments, from local responses to large-scale deployments. Those experiences informed his perspective on timing and access.
“In a disaster, response times may slow down, so trying to figure out utility shut-offs at that moment can become much more difficult,” he explains. That insight shaped one of the platform’s defining features, which is the ability to access stored information even without an internet connection. The goal is for guidance to remain available when connectivity may fluctuate.
The philosophy behind Dwell Secure also influenced how it is offered. According to Leith, a single-property version is available at no cost. The aim, he notes, is to make foundational knowledge accessible to as many households as possible, especially in situations where individuals may need to act independently for a period of time.
Today, Leith is exploring ways to make the process even more intuitive. Future iterations may incorporate automation and guided input, potentially allowing users to identify and document systems through simple prompts and visual recognition. The vision also includes collaboration with professionals such as home inspectors, creating opportunities for property data to be captured with added precision and integrated directly into the platform.
As Dwell Secure continues to grow, its direction remains open to collaboration. Partnerships with service providers, inspectors, and organizations across the housing ecosystem offer pathways to expand its reach and refine its capabilities. Through these efforts, the platform aims to remain aligned with its purpose to help people understand the spaces they live in and access that knowledge when it matters most.
