What Should I Be Concerned About?

First things first... How can lighting help you? What 's your lighting goal? How much lighting do you need? What kind of lighting is there? What do you want to light up? Are there times when darkness is better? Can lighting be put in the wrong place? How can you mess up your lighting? Avoiding vandalism problems Think like a criminal What are your lighting concerns?

Is the lighting evenly distributed to eliminate contrasting light and dark areas that can cause someone to be temporarily blinded? Do the lights show people's faces rather than just the tops of their heads? Can the lights be easily turned off by cutting cables or unscrewing light bulbs? If it is easy for you to do this, it is easy for criminals. Is the lighting vandal-proof? Covering the fixtures with metal screens protects the bulbs from damage. Does the lighting illuminate the sky or point into nearby residential areas? If so, you risk annoying the neighbors. Is there enough lighting in critical areas such as alleys, fire escapes and ground-level windows? Is there adequate lighting in areas used by pedestrians and customers? Is there enough light around outside areas your employees use, such as storage sheds and garbage dumpsters? Do you check the lights frequently at night to make sure they are still working properly? Do you replace burnt-out lights promptly? Lighting may be the single, most cost-effective way to deter crime. The benefits may even extend beyond your business to others in the area. You also have a moral and social obligation to provide adequate lighting. If someone is hurt because you don't have good lighting, you could be sued.

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