Community Roll Call

During the fall and winter months, darkness arrives earlier in the day. As such, extra safety precautions should be taken when moving from your vehicles to your homes. It is recommended that if you are arriving home after darkness falls that you have some interior and exterior lights on to greet you as you arrive.

For exterior lighting please consider the following options:

* Motion sensor lighting can be effective but it does have to be properly adjusted so that it catches movement by people but does not pick up every rabbit or raccoon as it crosses your yard or driveway.

* Low level lighting such as a 40 or 60 watt conventional or compact fluorescent bulbs with dusk to dawn sensors are my favorite. With a dusk to dawn sensor it comes on and off automatically and provides enough light for facial, color and clothing recognition while not providing an overpowering light. Further it is on during all hours of darkness and lighting is one of the biggest deterrents to neighborhood crime. Of course, it appears as if the compact fluorescent is more efficient to operate.

* If you have a larger property you may want to consider High Pressure Sodium (HPS) fixtures and lights. HPS Light fixtures come complete with either a 35W bulb that is equal to a 175W incandescent bulb or a 50W bulb that is equal to a 210W incandescent bulb. The fixture with bulb and dusk to dawn sensor included is approximately $50.00 to $100.00; they replace most existing fixtures and can be found at most home or hardware stores. Each bulb should last approximately 5 years and currently costs about $4.00 to replace. Annual operating cost for a 35W HPS bulb is estimated to be between $18 and $25 annually based on 12 hours of operation per day. This type of lighting also provides good recognition

If you park in the driveway or a detached garage, don¡¦t be in a hurry to drive up your driveway. Take your time, looking around and listening with your window cracked open while you drive in as well as before exiting your vehicle.

If you do have a garage and don¡¦t have an electric door opener, consider one as it allows you to stay in your car providing extra light and time to check for suspicious activity as the garage door opens.

Consider carrying a noise making device such as a whistle should you need to gain the attention of neighbors or family during an emergency.

Most of us have those timers inside our home we use when we can escape reality and run away on vacation. Have you ever considered using them during fall and winter so that the interior of your house is lit up upon your arrival? It also gives your home the appearance of being occupied as darkness sets in. Further, consider having a radio tuned into talk radio, this too will make any potential burglars or thieves that the home is occupied.