Light of Day

This evening, I was invited to participate in a "Light Walk" with representatives from Seton Hall. This was organized by SGA president, Melissa Boege, to allow us to see the streets of South Orange at night through the eyes of students. Together with Police Chief Chelel, we walked from the Wilden Gate, along Eder Terr, College Place, Fairview Ave, Gardiner Ave, Riggs Place, Grove Road and Turrell Ave during the nighttime hours to observe the residential streets at night. Over the years, there have been a number of muggings outside the Seton Hall gates and we are always looking for ways to reduce crime.

The most glaring issue I noticed was the huge number of homes that did not bother to simply have a porch light turned on outside. In all neighborhoods, especially where the homes are relatively close to the street, the light provided by porch lights makes an enormous difference in the perceived (and real) safety of the area. We all love the gaslights in South Orange, but everyone knows that they provide limited light, resulting in dark sidewalks which is only further exasperated when homeowners do not keep their home lit up.

It is so simple these days to install a light sensor on your porch light which causes the light to automatically turn on at dusk and turn off at dawn. The incremental energy cost of leaving a light on all night is so minuscule that it is probably the simplest and easiest thing you can do to protect your home, as well as the pedestrians that walk along the sidewalks at night.

I encourage everyone to spread the word to your friends and neighbors - for the benefit of everyone, please turn on your porch light and keep it on all night!