LSCU, CUNA respond to needs as CUs recover from Irma

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 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 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.”

CUNA President/CEO Jim Nussle, in response to the recent disasters in Texas and Florida reported:

• CUNA is asking the credit union system to give to NCUF’s CUAid program to support credit unions and employees with storm-related needs. This effort has been coordinated so that 100 percent of funds donated for Irma relief will go to the SECUF.
• CUNA has developed, with the assistance of the Cornerstone League, a disaster mutual aid community on www.CUNA.coop.  This resource was launched this week and will be open to credit unions to ask for help and others to offer material and other assistance. Needs will be matched with offers of help.
• Also, CUNA, PSCU, and CO-OP announced last week a collaborative effort to launch a call center to facilitate credit unions getting information to their members in the wake of a disaster. Call center operators will monitor web sites and information compiled by the LSCU in order to assist consumers with information about operating status, ATM and shared-branch locations, and other important information.
  Numbers are:(866) 564-3519 or (844) 897-2060 (with service options for hearing impaired)

Also, the Florida Bar Association is providing free legal assistance for hurricane issues. Click here for details.