Every home should be a source of comfort, security and safety.  But many are not.

While you and family members might see it as a retreat following a long day of work, school, or play, others may see it as an easy target for mischief and crime. One step you can take to protect your home and family is to install security lighting. With so many lighting options available these days, you’re sure to find a solution to fit your style, needs, and budget.

Here are some tips for stepping up home security:

Analyze the exterior. Even if you already have security lighting installed, grab a paper and pen and walk around your property at night. Look for areas that might be vulnerable and make note of dark spots. Are there easy access points like window wells that are hidden? Shrubs where an intruder might hide, or large trees that provide access to windows?

Analyze the view from the inside. Head back inside and look out each window from various angles. Is something blocking your view? If someone were on your property (front, back, or sides) could you see them?

Consider your property line. If you have larger acreage with trees or a wooded area, you also have more places to hide. Consider lighting the perimeter of your property to make it more difficult for an intruder to get near your home.

Improve lighting in dark areas. Now that you know which areas are most vulnerable, choose the right type of lighting for each space. Up-light a front entrance with sconces on columns on either side of the front door. Use path lights to brighten up dark walkways around your home and garage. Or use a combination of both to add security and external beauty.

Control your lighting system with timers. A beautifully lit home and property is less-appealing to a potential intruder as it offers fewer places to hide. So, whether you’ll be gone for the evening or the week, the more occupied your home appears, the better. While you’re at it, add timers to your interior lighting. You can even turn your TV on, which will cast movement around a room and out the window.

Another way to protect home and family is with outdoor video cameras with internal monitors. Now Security Systems can install the right system and monitor it from our control center so we can alert proper authorities should an incident occur whether you’re home or away.  Contact us today a free in-home security analysis and proposal.