Home Security - Lighting
A police officer offered this tip: after my home had been broken into he told me that the cheapest security system is to leave the porch light on! Now, even in my compact, garden apartment I do keep that patio light on.
If you have a yard or garden, set up some moon lamps to light the way at night and also to deter someone from approaching your residence when they can be seen. These lamps create an elegant ambiance to your surroundings.
Of course, nothing is more shocking than when a motion detection light pops on, illuminating any unusual activity. This gives you time to check what's going on and to call the police, if necessary. But do check first! Many a masked bandit racoon has been the culprit!
Carry a light on your keychain to illuminated the keyhole when you're returning home after dark. Some key-carriers have this built in. It's a great idea for car door locks as well.
How many of us have a flashlight ready, with batteries that function, for the all too common power outage? Remember to have a few kid-sized flashlights ready for your children to get around to the washroom or down a hallway during such times!
If you're going away for awhile it's a good idea to leave lights on inside. Perhaps a neighbour who might be watering your plants or feeding the cat will change the on-lights around each time. Leaving outdoor lights on when you're away is a dead give-away, as someone will notice that you haven't shut the porch light off for quite some time. This is where timing devices come in handy. You can program key lights to come on and turn off at whatever time you like! This can be a very worthwhile investment as anyone who's had a break-in can attest to.
