One of the most important features of any good home security system has nothing to do with doorbells, alarms, or wireless devices, but much more to do with solving the problem of residential burglary in the United States. With a home being broken into every 15 seconds or so, there is real cause for concern, and more and more homeowners want to be protected. More and more people are installing home alarm systems, but unfortunately, a simple alarm may not be enough. The safest homes incorporate “layers” of security, and the first and one of the best lines of defense is a fairly simple solution: lighting. With good interior and exterior lighting, a home can be protected and secured.
The interior lighting is what shows that you are at home. It’s the first thing any criminal will look for when he tries to break in, because ideally he doesn’t want to be caught in the act. Showing that your home is busy and lively at night, and especially when you are not in residence, is of the utmost importance. A simple light timer is a perfect solution and is a good idea for both indoor and outdoor lighting. Many today can be set to turn on and off randomly, making it so no vigilant thief can spot a predictable pattern. Exterior lights can be set with timers or, better yet, with a motion detection system that turns on the light, surprising anyone who’s gotten too close to your home. A good mix of convincing interior and exterior lighting can be an excellent deterrent against burglars, and should be used regularly, not just during the holidays! The comfort of knowing that you will always return to a well-lit home and property will give you peace of mind that no one will be able to take you by surprise. For added protection, try a ‘fake TV’ or automatic radio device, which fosters the illusion that the house is always occupied.
Whether you live in a private residence, or even a shared building or apartment complex, there are some important rules to remember about outdoor lighting. First of all, a burned out light bulb is an opportunity, so don’t let changing it get in the way. Chances are, if you’ve noticed that an outside light has been out for more than a day, someone with less than honorable intentions has, too. Also, make sure all parking areas, driveways, sidewalks, and building entrances are well lit, not only for your personal safety from slips, trips, and falls, but from anyone who may be lurking in the shadows. Finally, it’s wise to have exterior lighting set up so that it not only illuminates a small area, but provides visibility of about 100 feet. This allows you to see what is happening around you. Equally important to home security is having a lighting system that illuminates the perimeter, including exterior doors and windows. Burglars like the element of surprise, so give them a taste of their own medicine by illuminating their actions with great home security and home interior and exterior lighting.