News

Firefighting is a profession built on skill, knowledge, and quick decision-making. One of the most fundamental concepts every firefighter must grasp is the understanding of basic fire streams. Fire streams refer to the flow of water or other extinguishing agents from a hose or nozzle, which play a crucial role in controlling and extinguishing fires. ...

Spring is the ideal time to give your outdoor property a thorough check-up. After a long winter, campgrounds, cabins, lodges, and picnic areas likely bear the hidden impacts of snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. Conducting a springtime property inspection is essential to spot and address winter-related issues early—before the busy season—ensuring safety for guests and saving you costly repairs...

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...