TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Hurricane Irma hit Florida with a powerful punch as it created havoc from high winds and flooding rain for two-thirds of the credit unions in the state, which are just now getting back to serving members.
Statewide power outages caused many credit unions to close, while others received less damage than expected and have resumed normal business operation, the League of Southeastern CUs reported.
“Despite adverse circumstances, many credit unions are finding ways to serve their members using generators and partnerships. Many have limited staff available and are performing transactions off-line. In the spirit of ‘People Helping People,’ many are offering low-interest disaster relief loans and waiving fees to provide immediate relief for their members during this time of need,” the league said.
In Melbourne, Fla., Space Coast CU said it has opened its 58 branches, along with its member service call center. Currently, the credit union said 65 of its 110 ATMs are operational.
“Our main concern at this time is the well-being of our employees,” said Timothy M. Antonition, SCCU president and chief executive officer. “Our goal is to open locations as quickly as possible to serve members, but only when it is safe to do so.”
In addition, as with Hurricane Harvey, SCCU is donating to the American Red Cross Hurricane Irma relief. The credit union had already announced a $25,000 donation to help with Harvey relief.
LSCU said it is continuing to reach out daily to credit unions updating the status online and assessing needs. To provide status updates to the LSCU site, click here or email to CUStatus@lscu.coop.
The LSCU’s disaster recovery team activated its disaster response plan early in anticipation of the storm in order to ensure smooth operation. Irma’s path meandered, threatening the north Florida panhandle where the LSCU’S Tallahassee office is located. LSCU’s SVP Jared Ross and Chief Technology Officer Tyrell Baker evacuated to Birmingham and out of harm’s way as a contingency in order to maintain communication and critical infrastructure, the league said.
“The LSCU is now working closely with CUNA and other partners to meet the needs of our credit unions, staff, and board members,” said LSCU CEO/President Patrick La Pine. “It is critical that we learn as quickly as possible of needs in order to assist our credit unions and expedite recovery.”
Credit unions throughout the state with power and Internet access have offered help in various ways, and The Southeastern Credit Union Foundation is ready to assist, LSCU noted.
To offer donations to assist those in need, click here. To apply for disaster relief grants, click here. CUs can also contact SECUF director Juli Lewis for more details.