LUMBERTON, N.C.–Credit unions, their members and communities today in North and South Carolina are dealing with the effects of Hurricane/Tropical Storm Florence today, including significant damage that is expected to grow even worse this week.
Sixteen people have been killed to date as a result of the storm.
“The worst is yet to come,” a spokesperson for the city of Fayetteville, N.C. told the media.
Credit union branches in a number of markets remain closed, especially in North Carolina. Large sections of I-95 and I-40 in North Carolina are closed because of flooding, and approximately 750,000 people are without power today.
Affecting branch and CU operations beyond just the impassable roads, flooding and lack of power (fow which many CUs have backup power generators), in some cities there is concern that a lack of fuel will lead to a shutdown of water treatment plants.
Advice for Members
Credit unions in both states are offering ongoing updates to members. State Employees CU in Raleigh, N.C. is offering members information on how to begin recovery if damage has occurred.
“You weathered the storm, but sustained damage to your home or car. Contact your insurance agent to file a claim. Be patient as insurance companies may be handling a large volume of claim requests,” the credit union advised.
“Take pictures, make notes and protect your property from further damage…”
As of late last week theCarolinas CU League website showed more than 25 credit unions that had closed branches. The Carolinas CU League also closed its offices.
Ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Florence, SAFE FCU reported it raised more than $18,000 for disaster relief in just two days leading up to the landfall of the storm.
“We saw this as an opportunity to help our members preparing for the coming storm, while also providing financial support for those facing its aftermath in the weeks to come,” said Toby Hayes, SAFEs VP of marketing. “It has been a win-win that came together very quickly.”
Both the Carolinas CU Foundation and the National Credit Union Foundation are collecting funds to assist victims.