When it comes to improving security at home, the most common thing to think about is alarms, connected peepholes, surveillance systems, having a good lock or reinforcing doors and windows. However, there is one element that can be just as important: outdoor lighting can become a great ally.
We tend to associate light with decorative and functional aspects, but it doesn’t have to be at odds with security. In fact, a good lighting system not only adds a distinctive touch to the home, but can also play a key role in protecting against potential intruders. For lighting to become an effective defense, it is essential to know where to place it. Below, we will look at the key points to achieve this.
Points to consider
A well-planned lighting system not only beautifies the house and serves a practical purpose, but also reinforces its security. Outdoor lights are essential in this regard. A poorly lit home can easily become a target for those seeking to act without being seen.
Entrances
The strategic location of lights is fundamental. One of the first places where exterior lights should be installed in a detached house is at the entrances, whether main or rear. In general, doors tend to be the first target of thieves. Ideally, they should be illuminated with fixed lights or with motion sensors. If the house has a porch, this should also be well lit.
Garage door
Another area that should not be overlooked is the garage door and accesses for vehicles. Although it may seem less important, it is a critical point, as it allows direct access to the interior of the house. For this reason, it is recommended to install a sensor light just above the garage door to reinforce security.
These lights have a dual function. Not only do they provide better visibility when entering or leaving with the car, but they also deter potential intruders by suddenly turning on when any movement is detected.
Windows
Like doors, windows —especially those that are more hidden— are vulnerable points that require attention.
Proper lighting in these areas prevents thieves from hiding in the dark, thus hindering any attempt at access.
Access areas and corridors
Lighting in narrow corridors and other passageways to the house should also be taken into account. In this sense, as in the previous cases, it is highly advisable to opt for LED lighting systems with motion sensors, which are activated in the presence of any suspicious movement.
Courtyards, gardens and terraces
If the house has a garden, patio or terraces, it is equally important to install a good lighting system in these areas. These are spaces that are frequently used to access the house, especially in isolated houses. For these places, solar lights with a sensor or low-consumption LED projectors are an excellent option.
House perimeter
When the house is surrounded by a wall, a fence or any other type of enclosure, it is also advisable to illuminate the entire perimeter. In the absence of street lighting, it is advisable to install spotlights with motion sensors at strategic points, thus creating a visual and psychological barrier against possible intruders.
Sheds
Areas such as the storage room or outside sheds should not be forgotten, as they can also become targets for theft or be used as hiding places. Adequate lighting in these spaces helps to considerably reduce that risk.
Areas with cameras
Finally, it is important to ensure that areas with video surveillance cameras are well lit to facilitate image capture. Although many cameras have night vision, good lighting always improves the recording quality and the ability to record everything that happens outside.
How to take care of the lights
When it comes to improving lighting in an isolated house with land around it, LED solar lights with a motion sensor are an excellent option. They recharge during the day by means of sunlight and are activated when motion is detected, which reduces electricity consumption and contributes to caring for the environment.
In addition, to guarantee optimal operation, it is important to carry out periodic checks. Special attention should be paid to the sensor and solar panel, cleaning them with a soft cloth, and pruning any nearby vegetation that may obstruct sunlight.
Installing outdoor lighting in the home is an effective measure to prevent scares. It is not a question of placing lights randomly. In addition to eliminating dark areas, it is essential to identify strategic points where a good lighting system can act as a deterrent to intruders.
Other systems that help protect us
But what many people may not know is that you can use a Nest Mini smart speaker with the Google Home app to improve home security. By configuring it properly, as we explain in this tutorial, it can simulate presence in the home and deter potential burglars during the holidays. By creating automated routines, it is possible to program the speaker to play sounds, such as radio stations, at specific times, giving the impression that the house is occupied.
But that’s not the only case and, for example, Amazon’s Echo speakers have a motion sensor that is very interesting if you know how to take advantage of it. More specifically, ultrasound detection is present in the fourth-generation Echo and the fourth-generation and fifth-generation Echo Dot.
The device uses ultrasound technology to detect movement, working in a similar way to sonar or how bats locate prey. When this function is activated, it emits sound waves that are not audible to humans and uses its microphone to analyze the variations in the echo of these waves as they bounce off moving objects. Thanks to this capability, routines can be configured with Alexa that are activated when presence is detected in the room. It is advisable to adjust the sensitivity and range to optimize its operation.
Of course, this system cannot detect movement in rooms separated by walls, as its range is limited to the space where it is installed. Its usefulness is limited to detecting movement within the home.
