December 2018

Festive season crime alert

Research shows that crime peaks over the festive season, so be ultra vigilant. One of the newest trends is for cars to be stolen for their contents and then dumped. Remote jamming is rife so ALWAYS test your vehicle doors and boot to ensure they are locked before walking away. Never leave purchases, laptops, cameras, cell phones or other valuables in sight – lock them away in the boot, even while driving. While on the computer, be careful of opening emailed links, even if it seems to be from a reputable source such as a bank or SARS. Finally, a shock statistic is that nearly a third of insurance claims in SA are fake, with a surge in claims during the lean month of January for ‘lost’ high value items. It impacts on all of us.

Home security for the holidays

Whether you’ll be heading off for a break or spending time at home, ensure that your household and houseowners insurance is up to date. Bump up security by installing motion detector lights around the house and in the garden. If you are going away, ask your neighbours to turn inside lights on and off or install a timer – leaving lights on 24/7 is a giveaway that no one is at home. Better still, arrange for a housesitter. Notify your security company and neighbourhoodwatch that you will be away. After Christmas, don’t leave packaging for luxury items such as TVs at your gate to be collected – it shows off what tempting new items you have inside.

Insurance to halt European motorsport?

Motorsport’s governing body Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) has said that a European Commission update on motor insurance rules could make motorsports such as Formula One financially unviable in Europe, where rules on car insurance may soon be extended to require compulsory third-party insurance for all vehicles. The FIA warns that insurers may refuse to cover motorsport drivers and cars because the costs would be too high, making it illegal to race or compete. It said that the threat applied to all forms of motorsport including Formula One, motorcycling, go-karting, speedway and drag racing. The proposal also means that crashes during racing could be treated as traffic accidents, requiring police involvement.

• Wash your hands often, and keep them away from your face.

• Don’t over commit – graciously decline invitations if you have too many functions to attend.

• Get enough sleep, and sleep late or take naps when you can.

• Be safe around the house: use step ladders to put up festive decorations instead of balancing on a chair or table.

• Try and eat at least one healthy, balanced meal a day (difficult when so many treats are on offer!).

• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

• At parties, drink a glass of water between every alcoholic drink, and arrange a taxi, Uber or trustworthy non-drinker to get you home safely.

•When preparing meals in the summer heat, avoid cross-contamination by keeping eggs, raw meat, poultry, seafood, and their juices away from prepared foods and eating surfaces.

Experience the magic of Star Dam

Safire is one of the investors in three magnificent lodges in the KZN Midlands at Star Dam in the Dargle Valley, close to the landmark Inhlosane hill. These upmarket self-catering retreats are ideal for those in need of a quiet getaway less than an hour away from Pietermaritzburg, and the Star Dam Estate is surrounded by the acclaimed Midlands Meander tourism route, so there’s plenty to do if you feel like exploring. The luxurious Safire, Waterford and Stoneford Lodges sleep 8, 12 and 18 respectively and all overlook the pristine star-shaped dam, with each lodge having a jetty for easy and private access to the water. Fishing boats can be hired or bring along a canoe or ski to explore the tranquil waters, which are stocked with trout. Riding on well-schooled horses with a guide is also available, while there are numerous trails to be explored through the forests on MTB or foot.

That’s life

Economic tidbits