Home Security and Exterior Lighting
There are many benefits to lighting up the exterior of your home. Exterior lights increase the safety of your home; they welcome your visitors; improve the look of your landscaping; and they make it easy to enjoy a beautiful night in the comfort of your porch or backyard. Therefore, in addition to having a monitored home security system, reinforced doors, securely locked windows, and deadbolt locks, exterior lighting is an important feature of any home security plan. A well planned home security system will position the lighting along all entries into the property and its surroundings, along fences and at gates, as well as lighting along sidewalks, driveways, and at doors, windows, patio sliders and basement entries. Choose placement that provides maximum light and illuminates high-traffic areas.
Automated timers activate lights when you are not home to increase security and provide a pleasant, lighted environment to come home to. Timers increase effectiveness and add extra security to your home. In addition, these automated timer systems can easily be installed by a homeowner. Although traditional timers are effective in creating the appearance of home occupancy, there are many sophisticated timers that will turn electrical equipment such as lamps, stereos, and televisions on at random times throughout the day. This works to trick anyone observing the property for a period of a few days. These timer systems are a better choice, because if your lights turn on everyday at 7 PM, someone observing will know this is an automated timer. However, if your lights turn on at random times, it is less clear as to what is the source turning on the lights. Keep in mind that while these automated timers are great for interior lighting, exterior lighting is the real key to preventing a criminal from lingering around a property. Installing exterior lights along with an automated timer system can be done in a relatively short period of time and with minimum objection, making for a fulfilling home improvement project.
In South Florida, secure homes will be fully equipped with motion detector floodlights at all exterior entries. Floodlights can be used as a deterrent to prowlers and as a safety feature to prevent accidental tripping on stairs or uneven pavement. Placing flood lights in key areas — above the garage, near side entrances or in your backyard — discourages intruders by illuminating all pathways to your house, while giving you a clear view of obstacles in your driveway and yard so that you do not trip when returning home after dark. You should position flood lights at least 9′ off the ground to make them difficult to reach or disable.
The most secure homes not only have great exterior lighting, but also have installed a monitored home security system. ADT has the best service to meet all your home security needs. Along with your floodlighting, ADT’s Flood Detector alerts the monitoring center of rising water in your home to help prevent severe water damage. ADT will monitor your home with all of its safety needs 24/7, giving you the security you need at all times. Keep your home safe from the inside out with an ADT monitored home security system and proper exterior lighting.
