Strategically placed outdoor lighting can help deter intruders from entering your property, while providing needed illumination for you and your loved ones. Use these home safety lighting tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe.
- Motion-activated or motion-sensor lighting: Outdoor lighting turns on when something or someone passes the area being covered by a motion sensor. The light only turns on when triggered by motion, not by how dark or light it might be outside. It turns off when the motion isn’t detected anymore or after a predetermined time, which saves on electricity. This lighting is often mounted near the garage to light up when you get out of your car and startles intruders. It can also be used to temporarily illuminate other dark areas around your home where constant lighting does not make sense. Be sure the fixture is mounted high; otherwise, a burglar might try disable it by unscrewing a bulb. Also, insure these lights are protected from the elements by a weatherproof box.
- All-night lighting: Provides constant lighting, so it would be hard for an intruder to enter your home without being seen. You can set it to turn on at dusk and off at dawn with a timer or a photo cell. Since it uses a lot of electricity, consider using a solar-powered version or energy-efficient LED bulbs.
- High/low combination lighting: This lighting offers brighter illumination when you need it. At night, it uses low-intensity light. When someone passes by, the motion sensor makes the lights brighten.
- Moonlight effect: It’s lighting that’s not stronger than that of a full moon, and yet it’s strong enough to make shadows and highlights. This soft form of lighting gets rid of dark areas where an intruder might hide and spotlights movement on your property.
- Floodlights: Use them to light a dark garage, stairway or entryway. Light the way for your family to enter the home after dark and discourage intruders from trying to enter. Position floodlights high up enough so that they cast a wide cone of light.
There you go, five easy outdoor lighting tips you can use to help keep you and your loved ones safe, while deterring intruders.
