Security Lighting

Although the majority of home and apartment burglaries occur during the daytime hours, it’s still a great idea to install security lighting around the exterior perimeter of your home. Follow these tips to ensure your home is properly lit and safe from lurking predators.

1. Exterior lighting should provide at least 100 ft of visibility. However, keep in mind that the glare from high wattage bulbs can be irritating to neighbors and can obstruct your view outside. Use 40 to 60 watt bulbs for your lighting around walkways and in landscaping and save the higher wattages for your porch light, or lights that you’ll turn off before bed.
2. Use dual lighting fixtures at all entryways, including the garage door. A dual fixture will help spread the light around and will ensure that the door is safely lit if one bulb does happen to burn out. Use a motion sensor above the garage door.
3. Install dual lighting fixtures under eaves to wash the corners of your home with light. Be sure to install them high enough that they cannot be unscrewed by someone standing on the ground. Also, point them straight down to ensure that no unlit gap exists. Motion sensors may be a good choice for these areas as well.
4. Use ground-mounted, low-voltage lights under windows. This will help light up trees and shrubs surrounding your house.
5. Using light timers or photo-cells to turn on/off lights automatically, giving your home a lived-in look when you’re out of town.