Understanding the Different Exterior Lighting Options for Your Building

When filling out your Fortify Form after purchasing your Fortify Plan, one critical detail is the exterior lighting of your building. Proper exterior lighting enhances both safety and security, deterring intruders and improving visibility at night. Understanding the different exterior lighting options ensures your security plan is tailored to your building’s needs. In this guide, we’ll explore the various types of lighting, from no lighting to motion-activated lighting, to help you complete your Fortify Form with accurate information.

1. No Exterior Lighting

A building with no exterior lighting poses increased security risks due to the lack of visibility at night. Without any lighting, intruders are more likely to target the building since their movements are concealed, and residents or passersby won’t notice suspicious activity.

No Exterior Lighting Characteristics:

  • Completely dark exterior at night.
  • Higher security risks due to lack of visibility.
  • Limited ability to see who approaches or leaves the building after dark.

Exterior Light Options for Security:

  • If your building has no exterior lighting, your Fortify Plan may recommend installing outdoor lighting fixtures for better security, such as porch lights, entryway lights, or security lights.

Make sure to indicate no exterior lighting on your Fortify Form so your Fortify Plan can address this significant gap in security.

2. Dimly Lit Building

A dimly lit building provides some light but may not offer enough brightness to cover all entrances, walkways, or key areas around the property. Dim lighting can create shadows where intruders could hide, reducing overall security.

Dimly Lit Building Characteristics:

  • Low-level lighting that may only cover small areas, such as the front porch or a side entryway.
  • Shadows and dark spots around the building, which can reduce visibility.
  • Inadequate lighting to properly illuminate entrances or pathways.

Improving Dim Lighting for Security:

  • Increasing the brightness of exterior lights or adding additional fixtures can reduce shadows and improve visibility.
  • Transitioning to energy-efficient exterior lighting can help ensure the building is well-lit without driving up electricity costs.

If your building is dimly lit, be sure to report this in your Fortify Form. This will allow your Fortify Plan to suggest upgrades to your exterior lighting to improve security.

3. Partially Lit Exterior

A partially lit exterior provides moderate lighting around some areas of the building, such as the main entry or parking areas, but other parts of the property may remain in darkness. This setup can strike a balance between energy usage and security but might leave certain areas vulnerable.

Partially Lit Exterior Characteristics:

  • Moderate lighting around key areas like the front entrance or parking lot.
  • Some areas, like side entrances, backyards, or walkways, may not be as well-lit.
  • Provides a level of security but may not fully protect the entire property.

Outdoor Lighting Setup for Partially Lit Buildings:

  • Consider installing additional lights in under-lit areas, such as back doors or side pathways, to ensure full coverage of the building's exterior.
  • Options like motion sensor lighting can help light up dark areas only when needed, saving energy while boosting security.

If your building has a partially lit exterior, include this detail in your Fortify Form so your plan can offer suggestions on how to better secure under-lit areas.

4. Well-Lit Building

A well-lit building is one where exterior lighting provides ample brightness to cover all areas, from entrances to pathways and parking spaces. A well-lit exterior increases the building’s visibility at night and can deter potential intruders by eliminating hiding spots.

Well-Lit Building Characteristics:

  • Bright lighting around all key areas, including entrances, walkways, and outdoor spaces.
  • High visibility from the street, with little to no shadows or dark areas.
  • Often includes multiple types of exterior lights, such as porch lights, pathway lights, and floodlights.

Security Lighting for Buildings:

  • A well-lit building already provides a good level of security, but additional features like motion-activated lighting or smart lighting systems can further enhance safety and efficiency.
  • Energy-efficient exterior lighting solutions, like LED bulbs, can maintain brightness while reducing energy consumption.

If your building is well-lit, note this on your Fortify Form, as it indicates that your property already has solid security in place, and your plan can focus on maintaining or optimizing it.

5. Motion-Activated Lighting

Motion-activated lighting is one of the most efficient and secure lighting options for residential buildings. These lights only turn on when they detect movement, providing instant illumination when someone approaches and conserving energy when no one is around.

Motion-Activated Lighting Characteristics:

  • Lights activate only when motion is detected, providing light as needed.
  • Ideal for entryways, pathways, driveways, and other frequently used outdoor areas.
  • Reduces energy usage by only lighting up when someone is nearby, while also deterring intruders who may be startled by sudden illumination.

Motion Sensor Lighting for Security:

  • Motion-activated lighting improves security by alerting homeowners to activity around the building and discouraging intruders who prefer to operate under the cover of darkness.
  • These lights can be paired with cameras or alarm systems for additional protection.

If your building uses motion-activated lighting, make sure to indicate this on your Fortify Form. This detail will ensure that your Fortify Plan takes advantage of the energy efficiency and security benefits these lights offer.