STAND-BY LIGHTING
A second type of outside security lighting is stand-by lighting. Stand-by lighting systems generally consist of continuous systems, but are designed for reserve or stand-by use or to supplement continuous systems. These systems are engaged either automatically or manually when the continuous system is inoperative or when there is a need for additional light. A stand-by system is most useful to selectively light a particular portion of a site if an intruder is suspected or to light an area for occasional use.
MOVEABLE OR PORTABLE LIGHTING
A third system uses moveable lighting hardware. This system is manually operated and usually is made up of moveable search or flood lights that are located in selected places, which require temporary lighting. The moveable system is also used to supplement continuous or stand-by lighting. This system is particularly useful at construction sites.
EMERGENCY LIGHTING
The fourth system is emergency lighting. Emergency lights may duplicate any or all of the other three types of lighting. Generally, the emergency lighting system is used in times of power failure or other emergencies when other systems are inoperative. The unique feature of the emergency system is that it is based on alternate power sources such as a gas powered generator or batteries.
Lighting is a very important aspect of Crime Prevention that often goes overlooked or misused. Take the time to survey your property during the night time. Check for dark areas, these are places that unwanted persons can hide undetected. Check for areas that may have blind spots because of the misdirection of the lighting sources.
On occasion the lighting choice and positioning may be too much for the area. Misdirection of lighting can cause a “wall of light”. This “wall of light” could create a hiding place for a criminal out in the open. While looking at your property, look for these “walls of light”, which would be an area that, because of the light, you can’t see past or through it.
We all like to be safe, too, and to keep our house, our family, our pets, and our guests safe – even if those guests are only staying long enough to pick up some candy or sing a carol. That means that we want the lights, power cords, controls, and everything else associated with our outdoor lighting to be done with safety in mind.
Thus, if a person were to stand out in the open behind the light source, you still could not detect that they were standing there. If this is the case all you need to do is reposition the light source.
Poor lighting can be a safety hazard – misjudgment of the position, shape or speed of an object can lead to incidents and injury. Poor lighting can affect the quality of work, specifically in situations where precision is required, and overall productivity.
Poor lighting can be a health hazard – too much or too little light strains eyes and may cause eye discomfort and headaches.
Exterior lighting is equally important as the interior lighting. It should be properly and functional, to provide a relaxing atmosphere, and at the same time safety and fun. The lighting has a big impact on the whole look of your garden and patio, and that’s why you need to pay attention where you will set the lights, and what kind of lighting you will use to light up your yard.
