Blog

Have a Plan for Responding to Floods

Floods are the most common and widespread of all natural disasters, with many U.S. communities experiencing some degree of flooding after spring rains, winter snow thaws or heavy thunderstorms. Learning about this weather possibility and how to properly prepare for it can save lives and minimize damage.

Flood Characteristics

Most floods develop slowly over a period of days but flash floods are different, developing like walls of water in a matter of minutes, often due to intense storms or a dam failure. Flooding can create conditions favorable for a fire to occur, either by causing it or by impeding efforts to fight it. While electrical fires can occur for any number of reasons, including overloading of circuits and improper wiring practices, floodwater increases fire danger through short circuits in wiring and electrical equipment.  Continue reading

Mold: Impacts on the Affordable Housing Industry Risk & Insurance Considerations

Mold issues in multi-family housing can lead to many significant impacts – from remediation costs to loss of rent and, perhaps most critically, long-term health effects. Although engineering and construction practices have significantly improved in recent years, affordable housing organizations need to be vigilant around mold issues and concerns.  While insurance coverage is typically relied upon for many property-related losses, there remains a disconnect about how mold claims are often handled by the insurance industry.  Continue reading

Tips for Winter Weather Travel

Nobody ever wants to be stuck in traffic or on the side of the road.  However, a situation that is typically more of an annoyance than a safety concern can become increasingly hazardous when dealing with winter weather or freezing temperatures.

An excellent example of this is the recent traffic nightmare on I-95 which Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine referred to as “dystopian” and which left some motorists stuck on the road for over 20 hours, many with limited supplies and means to stay warm. Thankfully, emergency crews were able to provide water and means of warmth to those in need, and none of the thousands involved were seriously injured.

With the possibility of another major winter storm next week and several more months of winter travel ahead, our Personal Insurance team at Scott advises you to take a few moments to create a winter travel checklist and prepare an emergency kit.  Continue reading

Supreme Court Blocks OSHA COVID-19 Mandate

In a 6-3 decision today, the U.S. Supreme Court has blocked the enforcement of OSHA’s emergency temporary standard (ETS) related to COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing in the …Continue Reading

Court Reinstates OSHA Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard

On Friday Dec. 17, 2021, the 6th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals reinstated the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) federal emergency temporary standard (ETS) for COVID-19. The 6th Circuit court decision reverses the stay ordered in November by the 5th Circuit and allows OSHA to resume ETS implementation and enforcement nationwide.

The ETS establishes a mandatory vaccination policy requirement for private employers with 100 or more employees. ETS opponents have already filed an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court challenging the 6th Circuit’s decision.  Continue reading