- 1). Light up the outdoors for home security. Security experts like Home Security Guru report that leaving lights turned on at night is a tremendous tool for preventing burglaries and violent attacks around your property. Low-level "washes" of light around your home's perimeter, like the use of foundation landscaping floodlights, will deter thieves and stalkers. Be careful not to direct strong lights into the windows of your neighbors' homes. Downwardly-directed, low-wattage lights will provide enough reflective light on the side of the house to do the trick. Install bright motion detector lights near garages, decks, or other entrances to flood these areas with light when someone approaches.
- 2). Light the outdoors to prevent accidents. Make sure all pathways to and from the house are lit with low-voltage lighting fixtures to prevent tripping in the dark. Remember to light paths to outdoor sheds, garage corrals, pet enclosures and walkways. If your yard has raised beds near customary pathways, or any other low potential obstructions, light these objects with small "pathfinder" lights.
- 3). Light your yard for increased function. Decks, patio, and play areas can be illuminated with general "wash" lights to extend use of these areas on pleasant evenings after sunset. If you have outdoor furniture in use, provide task lighting for reading or playing games at a table. Make sure any outdoor living area fixtures are UL (Underwriters Laboratories) approved for outdoor use.
- 4). Light your yard for practical uses. If you're installing new below-ground electrical lines, place outdoor electrical outlets in areas where you might want power, such as near a water feature or a spot for lighting holiday decorations. Make these outdoor outlets "switched" from a convenient location inside your house.
- 5). Light your outdoor areas for beauty. Highlight special features in your yard with low-powered floodlights and spotlights. Directing gentle light up into the branches of a favorite tree is always effective. Install special pool lights in ponds and at the base of fountains. Light a piece of yard sculpture or a distinctive planter. Outdoor rope lights, strung along the railings of decks, can be charming. Place all of these special feature lights on indoor switches or timers for convenience and energy savings.
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