To recap the issues raised during this week’s conference call, here are the key media stories we discussed, and the messages we’re conveying.
If there is a subject you would like to see addressed on Wednesday, September 6, please email Michael Barry at michaelb@iii.org.
Hurricane Harvey Causes Fatalities And Widespread Flooding In Texas
The I.I.I. has issued numerous news releases, handled dozens of media inquiries, and is regularly updating the I.I.I. Blog and maintaining a consumer-focused social media presence.
Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF) Creates Hurricane Harvey Disaster Relief Fund
The proceeds from the IICF fund will go toward local nonprofits and assisting Harvey victims.
Tropical Storm Irma Expected To Become Fourth Hurricane Of The 2017 Season
Since the call, Irma’s wind speeds reached hurricane-strength in the Atlantic basin, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
I.I.I.’s Chief Actuary Elected To The Casualty Actuarial Society’s (CAS) Board Of Directors
James Lynch’s election to the CAS board was announced this week.
Capitol Hill
FEMA issued a bulletin yesterday (August 29) authorizing advance payments to qualified National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policyholders impacted by Harvey.
FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is set to expire on September 30, 2017, in the absence of Congressional reauthorization.
States
California
8,000 people were left without power in the San Fernando Valley during a recent heat wave. Crews worked to restore power after triple-digit temperatures strained the state’s energy grid.
1,500 people evacuated due to a wildfire in Oroville. The Ponderosa Fire has destroyed 10 homes and triggered evacuation orders in Butte County.
Georgia
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution covered the first meeting of the Georgia House Distracted Driving study committee on Monday, August 28.
Idaho
Federal funding is available to local governments in five counties impacted by the severe weather that hit the state in May and June of this year.
Iowa
Federal funding is available to local governments in seven counties damaged by a tornado, straight-line winds and flooding that occurred July 19-23, 2017.
Louisiana
The parishes of Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis and Vermillion became eligible for federal assistance after the president declared an emergency exists due to Harvey.
Montana
The Ravalli County Sheriff has issued an evacuation order due to the Nelson Creek Fire, one of many wildfires burning statewide.
New York
Subpoenas have been issued in the town of Prattsville (Greene County), with investigators examining how millions of dollars in storm aid was allocated following 2011’s Hurricane Irene.
The state should be providing financial assistance to Hoosick Falls (Rensselaer County) as it recovers from a major flood event in early July, the region’s elected officials say.
Oklahoma
The Oklahoma Geological Survey has proposed the installation of more than 70 permanent seismic stations statewide.
The I.I.I. is cited regularly in the media as an authoritative source of insurance information. To access the current I.I.I. press clips, click here.
