On or Off? That’s a Good Question!
When to leave you lights on:
…..When you are home (and awake). Not only does it alert people that you are home, but you can see outside as well in case someone is checking your home out. Having a few different lights on inside also sends a message that the home is likely occupied and not a great target.
…..When you go out at night. It is safer to approach a lit front door when you arrive home. It is also easier to gain entrance quickly.
…..When you can combine a porch light with other lights. For instance, if you have lighting in the back yard or by the garage, use them in alternating ways. Safewise.com says that this is the best way to make it appear as though someone is in the home.
….. Motion sensing lights are affordable and smart. They have the ability to actually startle an intruder and even make it difficult for someone to focus for a few moments.
When to leave the lights off:
….When it’s light outside. Outside lights left on in daylight actually are a clue that nobody is home. If you were home, wouldn’t you turn the lights out during the day?
…..When you are on vacation. The same idea here, if a burglar notices the same lights on for several days with no changes, they have a pretty strong message.
…..When you go to sleep. Oddly enough, with most residential crime happening during the daylight an intruder isn’t as interested as you might think during the dark hours. A porch light on at 3 a.m. isn’t going to make much of a difference.
…..If you live in a rural area. In this instance, lights might actually help an intruder more than keep them away because they can see who is around. There are fewer people to spot them checking your home out.
A Better Option:
Do you have a way to automate your lights? The best way to use light for a crime deterrent is to make burglars think that someone is home and alert. The most effective way to send that message is through lighting, both inside and out and go on and off at varying times. If you can arrange for an automated system that turns lights on after sundown that’s a great option.
The Best Option:
The goal of using light from a security standpoint is to make burglars think that someone is home. The newer systems exterior of home with lights onhave options that allow you to control the lighting for your home from your phone or mobile device, regardless of where you are. By tapping a few buttons, it can appear as if you are moving from room to room.
Extra Options:
….. Have you thought about the way your trees and shrubs are trimmed? Are they providing cover for someone casing your home or making it obvious that someone doesn’t belong there?
…..Be a good neighbor. Let your neighbors know you are happy to keep an eye on their home while they are away, and you would appreciate the same. Exchange phone numbers in case someone has a question.
Bottom line:
Turning your lights on is only an effective deterrent when it is part of an overall strategy to keep your home secure. No one wants to feel vulnerable.
