Porch lights are essential for the security of your home. They can guide you in at night and deter burglars, making them an important aspect of your home’s security. To maximize their effectiveness, it’s crucial to use them at the right times and in combination with other security products. By following these steps, you’ll feel more secure whether you are at home, the office, or on vacation.
When to turn on the porch light:
- You can keep your porch light on at any time of the night. Leaving it on, especially when you have indoor lights on, will alert burglars to your presence. Additionally, the porch light can act as a spotlight for the front door, allowing you to see who is approaching through a peephole or window.
- If you or your roommate plan to arrive home late at night, it’s helpful to leave the porch light on. It provides a safe way to unlock the door and enter the house in the dark.
- When leaving the children at home for the night, leaving a porch lamp on will prevent them from being scared by strange shadows. Combining indoor lights with outdoor ones can create the illusion that multiple people are at home, enhancing security.
- If you are expecting a delivery at home, turn on your porch light to help the delivery person find your house easily and remind you of the package’s arrival.
In general, porch lights work best when coordinated with garage, deck, and interior lights. This combination creates the appearance of activity within the house, further deterring potential intruders.
When to turn off the porch light:
- During vacations or when you’re out of town, it’s best to turn off the porch lights during the day. Leaving the porch consistently lit can signal that no one is home, making your property a target for burglars. Instead, consider using a timer or asking a neighbor to switch the lights on and off to give the impression that someone is home.
- Like any other room in the house, turn off the porch lights when going to sleep. Turning them off frequently will indicate that someone is home. Many modern porch lights have infrared motion sensors, which activate the light when movement is detected.
- If you are alone and feel anxious, you might want to avoid turning on the porch lights. Burglars may monitor a house for weeks before striking and may notice changes in lighting patterns when someone is alone.
- For those living in rural areas, turning off the porch light might make you feel more secure. Darkness can make it harder for intruders to navigate, potentially giving you a warning of their approach. Investing in motion sensor lights can provide added security, as they disrupt burglars’ night vision and allow you to call for help while illuminating your home.
To improve home security, consider investing in a motion-sensor porch light and integrating it into a complete smart home security system. Smart outdoor wall lighting, cameras, and locks can be controlled and monitored through a hub’s app, offering enhanced safety and convenience.
In summary, porch lights play a crucial role in home security. Using them strategically and in conjunction with other smart security devices can help protect your home and give you peace of mind.
This article was written by a lighting specialist at LD lighting. LD Lighting was Established in 2017 and is located in Central Florida, LD Lighting offers services in screen enclosure lighting, pool lighting, outdoor entertainment, and Outdoor Lighting In St Petersburg FL. We promise to give you the best quality of work and bring your ideas to life.
