Start the new year with 10 simple safety resolutions for a safer 2026

As the holiday season draws to a close, a leading South African security provider is encouraging homeowners, businesses and communities to make safety a cornerstone of their 2026 plans.

In a press release issued today, the company highlighted the opportunity to reflect on the past year and adopt simple steps that can protect families, property and peace of mind.

,Group Head of Marketing and Communications Charnel Hattingh of the Fidelity Services Group offered practical safety tips.

“December is a time to relax and recharge, but it’s also the perfect moment to think about how we can live better—and safer—in the year ahead that can make a big difference to personal security.”

Hattingh outlined ten easy actions individuals and neighbourhoods can adopt:

1. Join a local WhatsApp group to stay informed about trends and incidents.

2. Get to know neighbours to build stronger community ties and spot unusual activity.

3. Invest in outdoor security such as electric fencing, beams, CCTV and sensor lights.

4. Talk to family about safe habits: secure doors, stay alert when arriving or leaving, and know how to contact security or police.

5. Arrange a professional security assessment to identify vulnerabilities and find affordable solutions.

6. Learn basic self‑defence to boost confidence and preparedness.

7. Practice safe driving—stay alert, avoid distractions, obey speed limits and never drive under the influence.

8. Create and rehearse a family emergency plan, including evacuation routes, meeting points and first‑aid kits.

9. Stay physically fit to improve overall health and response capability.

10. Limit personal information shared online to protect privacy and reduce identity‑theft risk.

“Start the year on a fresh and safe slate. Look for ways to live more securely and protect the people you care about most. These are the kinds of resolutions we should all be considering,” Hattingh added