It’s the appropriate time of the year to think of things that scare us, no matter that there may be no factual basis for it. The national discussion on Ebola and how frightening the circumstances are apropos. One thing it highlighted for me is how fear and ignorance can drive panic decisions. It certainly is rational for all of us to fear Ebola, the reports from Africa are horrific as are the concerns about folks returning to the US and potentially exposing others. And the absence of good, consistent information from our “leaders” has not helped matters.

As usual, it makes me think how the risk management world reacts to such things. Knowledge, data and experience create a rational matrix that allows us to appropriately understand and mitigate risks without hysteria and hyperbole. The main reason for organizations to set up a captive is to gain control of knowledge, data and experience and thus gain control of their risk situation. Perhaps a good lesson for the rest of the country.
Oh, and I will be going out as an actuary for Halloween this evening – that should scare the bejeezus out of everyone. Now I just need to borrow a costume from Mike Meehan or Jason Stubbs….

Thank you all very much and I look forward to hearing from you!