Celebrate Memorial Day Safely

Memorial DayCelebrate Memorial Day Safely

Memorial Day is a day for remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. While we honor their sacrifice and celebrate over the long weekend, make sure safety comes first. Here are some helpful safety tips for those of you who plan to enjoy the water, grill, or take a road trip:

Water Safety

The American Red Cross offers these tips regarding water safety:

  • Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.
  • Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone.
  • Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.
  • Have appropriate equipment, such as reaching or throwing equipment, a cell phone, life jackets and a first aid kit.
  • Know how and when to call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.

DOWNLOAD FIRST AID APP

Another thing people can do is download the free Red Cross first aid app which puts expert advice for everyday emergency at someone’s fingertips. The free app is available for direct download from the Apple or Google Play for Android app stores.

Drive Safely

With more people on the roads, it’s important to drive safely. Be well rested and alert, use seat belts, observe speed limits and follow the rules of the road. If plans include drinking alcohol, designate a driver who won’t drink. Other tips for a safe trip include:

  • Give one’s full attention to the road.  Avoid distractions such as cell phones.
  • Don’t follow another vehicle too closely.
  • Use caution in work zones.
  • Make frequent stops.
  • Clean the vehicle’s lights and windows to help the driver see, especially at night.
  • Turn the headlights on as dusk approaches, or during inclement weather. Don’t overdrive the headlights.

Grill Safety

The American Red Cross offers these tips to stay safe while cooking those tasty cookout treats:

  • Never grill indoors – not in the house, camper, tent, or any enclosed area.
  • Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use, and make sure everyone, including the pets, stays away from the grill.
  • Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, deck, tree branches or anything that could catch fire.
  • Keep the chef safe by using the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill.
  • Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
  • Be ready to close the lid and turn off the grill to cut off the fuel if necessary.
  • Keep a fireproof pan under the grill to catch any falling ash or grease.
  • Trim excess fat from meat to avoid flare-ups.
  • Wash one’s hands in hot soapy water before preparing food, after touching raw meat and after any interruptions such as using the bathroom, handling pets, stopping to do something with children.

We wish you a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend!

About Inlanta Mortgage

Inlanta Mortgage is proudly celebrating twenty years in business. Learn more about Inlanta’s twenty year history here.

Inlanta Mortgage offers Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac agency products, as well as a full suite of jumbo and portfolio programs. The company is fully delegated HUD-FHA including FHA 203K, VA, and USDA approved. Inlanta Mortgage also offers numerous state bond agency programs. Review Inlanta’s mortgage loan programs here.

Inlanta Mortgage is a multi-state mortgage banker based out of Brookfield, Wisconsin. NMLS# 1016. Inlanta Mortgage is proud to be a recent recipient of a 2012 Top Workplace Award.

Winter Car Kit

Be Prepared for Winter Driving

Have you prepped your car for winter traveling? We’re not referring to snow tires – we’re referring to the items you should carry in your car in case of an emergency.

With a few frigid months ahead of us (at least for a good portion of the country), it’s a good idea to make sure you are properly prepared for a possible break down or accident during freezing weather. Here are a few items we recommend you keep inside your vehicle – just in case.

Winter Emergency Car Kit

  • Blanket - Sometimes the unexpected happens. If you breakdown when it’s freezing outside,  you will appreciate this extra layer of warmth as you wait for help.
  • Extra Hats, Socks, and Mittens – Did you poke you head around your engine to see what the problem was? Or maybe you took a quick peek under the car. In either case,  you may have gotten wet and will appreciate dry mitts or socks when you finally decide to climb into your car and wait out the rescue party.
  • Water & Snacks - Ideally, you will only be stuck on the side of the road for a brief time. However, winter storms often delay tow trucks and other rescue personnel. Make sure you have some water and snacks in case the wait becomes excessive.
  • Flashlight with Extra Batteries - A flashlight is a must-have – especially if your break down happens at night!
  • Car Cell Phone Charger – There isn’t anything much worse than being stranded on the road, in a storm, with a dead cell phone.
  • First Aid Kit – Let’s assume you won’t ever have to use this…but you will feel better knowing you have one should the time come.

Car accidents and break-downs are inevitable during the winter. In addition to packing a winter car kit with all the items mentioned above – make sure your automobile is in good working order. Check all coolant and fluid levels and make sure the pressure is right on all of your tires.

Stay Safe This Winter

Now this probably goes without saying – but let’s just say it: Slow down, don’t tailgate, and brake slowly. Let’s all stay safe throughout this holiday season!

Inlanta Mortgage offers Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac agency products, as well as a full suite of jumbo and portfolio programs. The company is fully delegated HUD-FHA including FHA 203K, VA, and USDA approved. Inlanta Mortgage also offers numerous state bond agency programs. Review Inlanta’s mortgage loan programs here.

Inlanta Mortgage is a multi-state mortgage banker headquartered in Brookfield, Wisconsin. NMLS# 1016. Inlanta Mortgage is proud to be a recent recipient of a 2012 Top Workplace Award.

Be Prepared – Emergency Supply Kits

Be Prepared

While many of our friends and loved ones take cover from Hurricane Sandy - we thought it couldn’t hurt to remind everyone about the importance of having an emergency supply kit when disaster looms.

Whether you are in a coastal area and must prepare for a hurricane or in one of our northern states that is often overwhelmed with snow – being prepared is key. Here are the recommended components of an emergency supply kit suggested by the CDC and American Red Cross.

Emergency Supply Kit:

  • Several clean containers of water, large enough for a three-to-five day supply. This is about five gallons per person
  • A supply of non-perishable foods that can last three days
  • A first aid kit and manual
  • A battery-powered radio, flashlights, and extra batteries
  • Sleeping bags, extra blankets
  • Prescription medicines and special medical needs
  • Copies of personal documents (birth certificate, passport, insurance poilicies)
  • Family and emergency contact information
  • Cash
  • Local map(s)
  • Disposable cleaning cloths, such as “baby wipes” for the whole family to use in case bathing facilities are not available
  • Personal hygiene supplies, such as soap, toothpaste, sanitary napkins, etc.

Other items you may need – depending on your family’s needs:

  • Baby food and/or prepared formula, diapers, and other baby supplies.
  • Medical supplies (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane)
  • Games and activities for children
  • Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)
  • Two­way radios
  • Extra set of car keys and house keys
  • Manual can opener

Other items to consider – depending on the disasters common to your area:

  • Whistle
  • N95 or surgical masks
  • Matches
  • Rain gear
  • Towels
  • Work gloves
  • Tools/supplies for securing your home
  • Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes
  • Plastic sheeting
  • Duct tape
  • Scissors
  • Household liquid bleach
  • Entertainment items

The Center for Disease Control and the American Red Cross have also teamed up to provide answers to common questions and a step by step guide you can take to protect your loved ones.

Inlanta Mortgage offers Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac agency products, as well as a full suite of jumbo and portfolio programs. The company is fully delegated HUD-FHA including FHA 203K, VA, and USDA approved. Inlanta Mortgage also offers numerous state bond agency programs. Review Inlanta’s mortgage loan programs here.

Inlanta Mortgage is a multi-state mortgage banker based out of Brookfield, Wisconsin. NMLS# 1016. Inlanta Mortgage is proud to be a recent recipient of a 2012 Top Workplace Award.