dano: unfortunately, you let the cat out of the bag, so hold on, we're a-driftin' ...
As in many houses, there are many places where, if I turned on the light, I would be in the light while someone could remain in darkness somewhere. I turn on the hall light, I'm lit up, anyone in the living room or foyer is in darkness. I totally get your point about turning on the light, but only do it when it's to your advantage.
And two points about home clearing: agree it's a bad idea. But two important points:
- If I called the cops every time there was a little bump somewhere in the house, they'd start getting irritated with me. It's not always obvious there's someone in the house. If you hear something, it may be worth checking out, but no one calls the cops every time they hear a little something.
- It's a nice fantasy to sit safe in your room and call the cops. But many of us have kids, and I can't let a bad guy wander through my house near the kids room. That doesn't mean I have to go searching through my house, but I do need to move through the house to get to a position where I can defend the bedrooms -- and that requires light. And if the bogey is already in a bedroom, well, you get the point.
Joe