Outdoor lighting may seem simple…just put up some lights and turn them on at night, right? Actually no. It’s a more complicated process than most anyone assumes.
What Is Safety & Security?
Technically, safety and security are two different things. Safety is more for practical purposes—keeping you from tripping on objects, running into people, slipping on ice, etc. Security is protection against a potentially threatening person.
Having lighting aid both of these is difficult. The best way to achieve it is to get a light that shines down and then spreads out across the surface. In addition, you’ll want lighting that works well with a security camera set of your choice.
Some Things To Consider…
- Too little light offers up the chance for someone to hurt someone else.
- Too much light causes glare, creating the same effect.
Making one of these common lighting mistakes can have a negative impact on your business.
How Bright Should The Lights Be?
It actually is not proven that outdoor lighting prevents crime and makes locations safer. When you add brighter lighting, there tends to be glare. This makes it hard to see things clearly. Therefore, when you brighten the lights, always make visibility a priority. The IDA (International Dark Sky Association) that educates about conserving the night sky and implementing eco-friendly outdoor lighting, advises that you purchase lights that not only light up the area well, but also allow you to see the stars in the night sky. It is possible to be safe and to not pollute the night sky at the same time. It is wise to use The Lighting Handbook from IESNA (Illuminating Engineering Society of North America) especially if there’s a specific security issue or if you’re in a high-crime neighborhood.
In residential areas, you want to be sure you have correct lighting. If it’s improperly focused, it could be illuminating valuable possessions in your cars, etc. In addition, it can create shadows for criminals to hide in. It can actually be beneficial for you as a homeowner to have a darker area outside your home, forcing the intruders to use flashlights. It makes them easier to catch, thus making your property more secure.
Outdoor Lighting In Town…
Lighting up a town can actually attract criminals because they are able to see what they’re doing. This is especially true with dawn-to-dusk lighting. For example, Chicago found that when they lit up their alleyways, the crime increased.
In addition, unshielded street lights and electronic signs can be dangerous for drivers. They can cause glare and visual impairment which can lead to tragic accidents. This is especially true among the elderly.
How Do I Choose The Correct Lighting?
The goal here is to get effective lighting that not only looks like it’d be safe, but actually is. Here are some tips to help you with that:
- Make sure the lights are fully shielded and shine down (not up or out). They shouldn’t create any glare or contrast.
- Only put lights where they are needed and make sure they’re off when they’re not needed. Also install dimmers and timers on them. It’s also smart to get motion sensors for lights that are being used for security.
- We’ve stressed that too much light can pollute the air, making it hard to see. Not only does it do this, but it also wastes energy. Therefore, only use as much light as you absolutely have to.
- Use long-wavelength lights that are red or yellowish in color in attempt to minimize negative heath effects.
- Cities and towns can restrict the usage of bright and flashing lights near roads. This forces good lighting design to be used, making the glare less painful.