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 20, please email Michael Barry at michaelb@iii.org.
I.I.I.’S CEO Conducts Live Interview On CNBC’S Closing Bell
The I.I.I.’s Sean Kevelighan discussed the industry’s financial strength and preparedness from CNBC’s New York Stock Exchange studio on Wednesday afternoon, September 6.
I.I.I. Distributes Releases, Handles Media After Hurricane Harvey And Before Hurricane Irma
The I.I.I. has issued four news releases in the past two weeks on Harvey and Irma and conducted dozens of media interviews
Hurricane Irma Prompts Presidential Emergency Declarations For Florida, Puerto Rico And U.S. Virgin Islands
The Trump administration made the announcements on Tuesday, September 5.
Hurricane Harvey Death Toll Climbs; Congress Expected To Authorize Billions Of Dollars In Federal Aid For Texas
At least 70 people in Texas were killed as a result of Harvey, according to the latest municipal reports.
National Insurance Crime Bureau’s (NICB) Harvey Response Featured In Wall Street Journal (WSJ) Video
The NICB briefed the WSJ on how new technology is enabling insurers to assess Harvey-caused property damage in Texas.
STORIES IN THE WORKS
The I.I.I.’s Loretta Worters is providing information and insights to The Wall Street Journal’s Leslie Scism and Nicole Friedman as they cover the insurance implications of Harvey and Irma.
The I.I.I.’s Michael Barry discussed with Bloomberg BNA’s Brandon Ross the percentage of households with FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policies in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The I.I.I.’s Jeanne Salvatore spoke with Fox Business Network’s Gerri Willis about the NFIP.
CAPITOL HILL
The U.S. House’s Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit met on Thursday, September 7, to discuss Legislative Proposals for a More Efficient Federal Financial Regulatory Regime.
STATES
California
More than 10,000 firefighters are battling 23 large wildfires statewide, state fire officials said on Tuesday, September 6.
The Helena Fire (Trinity County) was among the most troublesome, with 72 homes destroyed and more than 11,000 acres consumed about five miles northwest of Junction City.
The La Tuna fire is one of the biggest in LA’s history by city acreage. The fire has burned 7,000-plus acres and is 80 percent contained, officials said. All lanes of the 210 Freeway reopened on Monday, September 5.
The Railroad Fire (Madera County) has scorched more than 10,000 acres and threatens giant sequoias in Sierra National Forest.
Florida
The I.I.I.’s Tallahassee-based Lynne McChristian briefed the group on the intense statewide media coverage of Irma, and how some reporters are assessing the financial strength of Florida’s lesser-known property insurers.
Georgia
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) is covering extensively Irma’s potential impact on the state.
Former Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine retained money from his unsuccessful gubernatorial campaign in 2010, the AJC reports. Critics are saying Oxendine should not have been allowed to do so.
Louisiana
A federal appeals court upheld a previous ruling against the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board, leaving the agency vulnerable to a multi-million dollar payout.
Montana
Governor Steve Bullock is meeting this week with FEMA Administrator Brock Long to discuss their joint efforts to combat this summer’s wildfires.
Oregon
An ash cloud from the East Creek Fire, burning east of Portland, impacted the city and led to the closure of a lengthy stretch of a highway.
The Chetco Bar Fire (Curry County) has prompted mandatory evacuations.
Utah
A fast-moving wildfire north of Salt Lake City burned at least five homes this week and prompted the evacuation of more than 1,000 people.
Washington
The Jolly Mountain Fire (Kittitas County) has burned 18,000-plus acres.
SOCIAL MEDIA REPORT
I.I.I. Launches #KlotzbachCloseUp Hurricane Video Series
With Hurricane Irma headed toward the U.S., the I.I.I. is distributing its preparedness and insurance coverage information via the I.I.I.’s multiple social media platforms.
The I.I.I./Colorado State University meteorologist Phil Klotzbach is doing a video series with the hashtag #KlotzbachCloseUp. Check the @iiiorg Twitter feed for the latest updates.
During the week of September 11-15, the I.I.I.’s McChristian will moderate a post-Irma Facebook Live question and answer session. Details will follow.
Harvey content drives traffic to I.I.I.’s website
Since Harvey made landfall in Texas on Friday, August 25, the I.I.I.’s most visited piece of online content has been the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on FEMA Disaster Assistance.
California Wildfires/LaTuna Fire
Los Angeles’ La Tuna Fire has been receiving significant attention on social this week. The Los Angeles Fire Department at @LAFD has additional updates.
MEDIA MATTERS
Bianna Golodryga has joined CBS News as a New York City-based on-air correspondent. She was most recently at Yahoo! News.
New York’s Daily News has been acquired by Tronc, publisher of The Los Angeles Times and The Chicago Tribune.
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.
