diff --git a/server/main.py b/server/main.py
index 68913bf..38aa551 100644
--- a/server/main.py
+++ b/server/main.py
@@ -99,11 +99,18 @@ def session_post(cid):
     # go through the photo taking process
     status = 'Warming up'
 
-    # warmup
-    power.lights_on()
-    time.sleep(4)
-    power.lights_off()
-    time.sleep(0.5)
+    try:
+        # warmup
+        power.lights_on()
+        time.sleep(4)
+        power.lights_off()
+        time.sleep(0.5)
+    except BaseException as e:
+        print('Problem with lights: {} - {}'.format(e.__class__.__name__, str(e)))
+        print()
+        print('Are you sure the system is connected?')
+        print()
+        abort(500)
 
     status = 'Capturing'
 
diff --git a/server/settings.py b/server/settings.py
index 3372a69..fa558fc 100644
--- a/server/settings.py
+++ b/server/settings.py
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 import os
-DEBUG = os.environ['FLASK_ENV'] == 'development'
+DEBUG = os.environ.get('FLASK_ENV', None) == 'development'
 
 LIGHT_IP = '192.168.99.25'
 LIGHT_USER = 'admin'