News

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...

Tips for Volunteer Fire Departments Supporting Community Events As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, communities across the country come together for their favorite fall traditions—pumpkin patches, apple picking, and harvest festivals. These celebrations often rely on local organizations, including volunteer fire departments, to help with setup, parking, or even sponsorship. While these...

Hitting the Road with Pets: How to Travel Safely + Why AnimalKeepers Matters Traveling with your pet over the holidays can be a joy, but it also brings added risks and responsibilities. Whether you’re relocating rescue animals, transporting pets for adoption events, or simply bringing your furry family members along, careful planning is key. McNeil...

The crunch of leaves underfoot. The chill of dawn breaking. Anticipation of opening day. For hunters, fall is more than a season, it’s tradition. Families return to deer camps, lodges welcome eager guests, and outfitters prepare to guide hunters into the woods. But every great hunt begins long before the first shot is fired. Preparation...

Fire and emergency services delivery in the United States is headed for a crisis. These are strong words, but I would challenge you to prove them unwarranted. Many of us struggle to even acknowledge it, let alone admit it or accept that our own organization could be in tough shape. Don’t get me wrong, there...