News

While summer might mean longer hours of sunshine and more pleasant weather, for emergency services organizations, it marks the beginning of what is potentially the busiest time of the year. Heat waves, extreme weather conditions, sudden floods, and heightened activity levels outdoors can very quickly test the abilities of staff and equipment used by these...

May is National Lyme Disease Awareness Month, but ticks don’t watch the calendar—they can show up any time temperatures rise. The best way to prevent Lyme disease in yourself and others is to understand proven prevention methods, recognize early signs and symptoms, and know what to do if you spot a tick. The Global Lyme Alliance, a leading...

Recent headlines about hantavirus have understandably made people uneasy. Any outbreak involving a serious respiratory illness can bring back memories of the COVID-19 pandemic. But while hantavirus deserves attention, it does not have the same transmission profile, public health dynamics, or pandemic potential that made COVID so disruptive. In short: hantavirus is a serious illness,...

In communities across the country, volunteer firefighters and emergency responders play a critical role in keeping people safe. They are often the first on the scene, responding to fires, accidents, and disasters, frequently putting their own safety at risk to protect others. Yet while their service is invaluable, planning for their long-term financial security is just as important.  That’s where LOSAP programs managed by Penflex, as part of McNeil &...

Emergency medical services (EMS) providers operate in an environment where risk is not the exception—it is the norm. Every response carries potential hazards, not only for the patient but for responders and the community as a whole. While the mission is to provide care, the reality is that safety must remain the first priority.  Our upcoming webinar, “Staying Safe on...

As cannabis products become more widely available, pet owners must understand the serious risks they pose to animals. Marijuana contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a compound that is highly toxic to pets and can lead to severe, potentially life-threatening symptoms.  Understanding the Risks  Dogs and cats are significantly more sensitive to THC than humans. Even small amounts can result in toxicity....

The cannabis industry has been experiencing rapid growth, and with expansion comes new challenges—especially when it comes to safety. Recognizing the unique fire risks associated with cannabis cultivation, processing, and extraction facilities, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is developing NFPA 420, a standard dedicated to fire protection in these environments.  NFPA 420 aims to...

The trajectory is clear: niche MGAs that combine deep domain expertise with advanced analytics, embedded distribution, and disciplined underwriting will be among the biggest winners in the specialty insurance ecosystem. Future success will depend on: Continual specialization in underserved or high‑complexity markets Adoption of AI and automation for underwriting, pricing, and claims Partnership‑driven distribution leveraging...

Why Guaranteed Replacement Cost Matters for Emergency Service Buildings From powerful tornadoes to fast-moving storms, severe weather can strike at any time, bringing wind, hail, or even fire damage that can devastate emergency service buildings. For fire stations, EMS facilities, and training centers, a single event can mean major repair costs or a complete rebuild. That’s why...

Flammable gases behave very differently than smoke from a structure fire. Gas accumulates silently, can migrate far from its source, and remains invisible until ignition. Firefighters may be operating in an environment that is well within the flammable range without any visual warning signs. Ventilation or forced entry at the wrong moment can instantly turn a “routine” response into a mass‑casualty...