News

Have you noticed more solar panels going up around your neighborhood? As electrical infrastructure continues to evolve, fire and emergency services face new operational challenges when responding to incidents involving photovoltaic (PV) solar arrays and battery energy storage systems (BESS). These technologies are becoming more common in residential, commercial, and utility scale settings, increasing the likelihood that firefighters will encounter them during...

When people think about wildlife encounters on guided adventure trips, their minds often jump to bears or large predators. Most unexpected wildlife encounters that lead to injuries or trip disruptions involve far more common animals such as insects, snakes, livestock, and region-specific wildlife. For adventure operators, understanding these everyday risks is a critical part of (trip safety planning.)   Wildlife Safety Starts with Awareness, Not Fear  Getting closer...

In emergency medical services, time is more than a metric—it is a responsibility. Every call place EMTs and paramedics in fast-moving, unpredictable environments where decisions must be made in seconds, often with incomplete information. Whether navigating congested city streets, responding to mass-casualty incidents, or stabilizing a patient en route to care, emergency transport is one of the most high-risk moments in the EMS workflow. ...

Winter has a way of turning ordinary routines into urgent situations, often with very little warning. For animal keepers, cold weather brings more than just snow and ice. Power outages, blocked roads, frozen water supplies, and limited access to veterinary care can all create dangerous conditions for animals in a matter of hours. The difference between a close call and a crisis often comes...

Winter storms can wreak havoc on homes and businesses, causing frozen pipes, water damage, and mold growth. For environmental and restoration contractors, these risks are even more critical. BISA, a specialized insurance program by McNeil & Company, provides tailored coverage for the unique challenges of winter damage and restoration work.  What Is BISA?  BISA (Specialized...

Many of us in the U.S. are in the midst of the months when rain can turn to ice and snow. With this seasonal transition comes the added challenge of keeping our feet under us, and ourselves and others off of the ground due to a fall. Falls and near falls due to slippery surfaces can lead to everything from wounded pride, to...

The start of a new year is more than a date on the calendar. It’s a natural moment to pause, reflect, and reset. For organizations operating in complex, high-risk industries, the New Year is also an opportunity to rethink how risk is managed—and who they trust to help them do it. At McNeil & Co.,...

Emergency service organizations are built on trust. Volunteers and staff handle donations, equipment purchases, and public funds, often without the financial controls that large corporations have in place. Yet even in the most trusted departments, financial crimes can and do occur.  A missing deposit, forged check, or misused credit card can quickly turn into thousands...

Inflation has become more than just a headline; it’s a daily reality affecting fire and EMS departments nationwide. Rising costs of materials, vehicles and specialized equipment means what was fully covered a few years ago might not be the same today.   The Rising Cost of Readiness  Over the past few years, the price of building materials, specialized vehicles, and equipment has climbed sharply. Lumber...

https://youtu.be/-DKa5vVxHsg Each year, our community gathers at Homer Hops Brewing for a day that blends gratitude, celebration, and purpose. The Believe 31 First Responder Day—presented in partnership with ESIP and Homer Hops—has quickly become one of the most meaningful annual traditions in our region. What began as a simple idea has grown into a powerful...