Outdoor lighting can be an effective enhancement to your home security solution. A well lit home can help discourage potential intruders, minimize hiding spots and increase your overall sense of safety.
However, you don’t want to over-illuminate your home. Too much lighting can actually put your home at risk because it draws unwanted attention and allows intruders to see your valuables.
To prevent your home from becoming a potential target for criminals, we explain how to improve home security with proper outdoor lighting.
Choose Your Lights
Outdoor lighting equipment varies in size, functionality and capability. Prior to purchasing lights, do research to determine which are suitable for your home. Some options include:
- Flood lights
- Lampposts
- Mounted luminary lights
- Landscape luminary lights
- Step lights
Consider lights that enable smart or motion-sensor capabilities. Smart lights allow you to control settings remotely via smartphone, laptop or tablet; or pre-set schedules to turn lights on or off during specific times. Benefits also include reduced energy costs and instant notifications on your smartphone if motion is detected.
Strategically Place Lights
After you’ve decided on your outdoor lighting equipment, strategically place lights around your home. Some areas to consider:
- Above doorways, entrances or exits.
- Along walkways and driveways.
- Backyard gathering areas like patios and decks.
- Near landscaping like trees and bushes.
If you have questions or concerns about placement, work with your security vendor to discuss your unique outdoor lighting needs.
Keep Lights Maintained
The right equipment in the correct locations is only effective if lights are working properly. That’s why proper maintenance and upkeep is critical.
Be conscious of the life span of your light bulbs and replace them before they burn out. Also, if light bulbs break, change them immediately.
