Leaving the porch light on...or not?

A reader has asked me to elaborate on the wisdom of leaving the home's porch light on. We've all probably heard good sounding advice both ways, but is there a simple answer? Well lit areas deter loitering and therefore crimes of opportunity.

But doesn't your porch light advertise the fact that you're not home? Yes, this is true as well.

Generally speaking, leaving your car in a well lit area lowers the risks of both vandalism and car theft. Well lit and in a well travelled area reduces your risk for car-jacking and abduction. But just as easily as your porch light, your vehicle parking habits tell a would-be intruder whether you're home also.

If you'd like to come home to a well lit house, there are options!
* Purchase an LED bulb to save power and leave the porch light on constantly.
* Reduce costs more and annoy your neighbors less with motion-sensing floodlights.

If you're more interested in the crime deterrence while away...
* Use home automation (just like the programmable thermostat, you can remotely control your outside lights from a smartphone).
* Put timers on your lights and randomize the schedule.
* Get a house-sitter (nothing mimics activity quite like the good old fashioned way).

Lastly, make use of existing lights. If you're on a street with adequate lighting, don't mess it up by planting shrubs along the house (stalker hiding places). Have clear line-of-sight from where you park the car to the front door.

If you have to worry about someone watching for your vehicle habits, lighting choices become irrelevant.  Invest in a home alarm system to protect your valuables and make sure you have good personal property insurance.

Protect your PRIVATE INFORMATION NOW

If you're one of those that is wondering why your credit cards are always getting stolen, your email is always getting hacked and spammed, you might be doing something wrong. My next few posts will attempt to concentrate the growing concern over "information security" for the average individual.

One of the largest concerns is too immediate to summarize myself, but instead let me show someone else's terrific synopsis from LinkedIn.

Consider an alarm system

Does "Home Security" bring to mind guns or alarm systems?

There are good reasons to combine the two approaches.  But for many, a home-defense weapon might be too much responsibility. In addition, there are situations in which an alarm system can be useful when a firearm is not: fire, carbon monoxide, or medical emergency.  For these reasons, it might be worth looking into an alarm system.

There are many types of alarm systems, monitoring companies, and sensors.  You can even purchase do-it-yourself (diy) kits like this one.

Aside from the cost, your most important decision is whether you want a professionally monitored system or not.  Most people choose a diy kit to avoid that costly, recurring fee.  But a professionally monitored alarm system offers two distinct advantages:

• Security company - or - Emergency Services (Police) response
• Oftentimes a discount on your property insurance (renter's or homeowner's policy)

Both professional and diy setups can offer:

• wireless connectivity (in case hard lines are cut by an intruder or damaged in a storm)
• battery backup for short-term power failures
• control from a smartphone
• notifications to a mobile or work phone when an alarm is triggered
• audible alarm to alert neighbors and/or scare-off trespassers

If you are concerned about burglary, you should require at a minimum: door sensors, window sensors, notification ability, and some type of 'panic button' for the monitored accounts.  Common additional sensors offer enhanced protection or additional features such as cameras, motion detectors (outdoor and indoor), noise (glass-breaking for example), temperature (climate), and zoning (or segmenting the area to be alarmed).

Before you start shopping for any type of alarm system, you need to ask yourself a few questions.  Just like buying a car, you don't want to be swayed by hard-sale tactics or gimmicks.

What do I want this alarm to do for me?

Basically, why do you want one...but think specific function or lifestyle need.  Does the alarm need to protect your home because you travel a lot?  Do you want it to feel more safe while you're at home?  Draft a list of your pressing concerns and describe how you think an alarm will alleviate those concerns.  Just by doing this step, your decision is like 80% made for you.

What can I afford to spend? / Can I upgrade later?

Can you get a starter kit and expand into something more comprehensive later?  With a diy kit, this means a programmable keypad to accept additional sensors.  With a monitored system, many of which have minimum contracts varying from 1 to 3 years, can you add features later or cancel early (in the first 30 days if you're not satisfied maybe)?  How much is installation and monthly monitoring fee?  Do they offer discounts?  Ask your insurance agent to recommend a company or system.

Also related to this is warranty.  Who pays for repairs or defective parts?  Is a warranty offered, or do you get free component replacement during your monitoring contract?

Lastly, check references or online reputation.

Research the company's profile with the Better Business Bureau.  Read product reviews on sale websites.  And ask for recommendations from friends, coworkers, and even the police (off the record of course).