Hurricane Michael: Some Credit Unions & Staff Suffer Extensive Damage
The category 4 storm leaves a landscape of massive destruction and devastation.
CUNA Mutual Group identified more than 70 credit unions and nearly 300 of their branches in Florida and Alabama that were in the path of Hurricane Michael, which left behind a landscape of massive destruction and devastation when Thursday morning dawned.
Because of many road closures, spotty or no phone or internet service, widespread power outages, and other issues, Florida Gov. Rick Scott urged residents in the affected areas to stay off the roads and listen to local authorities so that first responders and utility crews can do their jobs.
Jeff Byard, FEMA’s associate administrator for the Office and Response and Recovery, told CNN that crews are focusing on rescue efforts Thursday throughout various communities along Florida’s panhandle hammered by the hurricane.
Cara Clark, communications manager for the League of Southeastern Credit Unions, said league officials are currently assessing the situation, but they are aware that some of the league’s member credit unions and staff have suffered extensive damages.
The $1.3 billion Tyndall Federal Credit Union in Panama City reported Thursday that is was experiencing connectivity issues, which meant in part, that members are unable to access their accounts for now. The credit union’s call center is temporarily closed.
However, the credit union said members can still use their credit and debit cards and access cash at surcharge-free Allpoint ATMs.
“We assure you that we are working diligently to switch to our back up system on the west coast,” the Tyndall FCU’s statement reads. “It is our priority to make sure we have access to your accounts as soon as possible.”
The $48 million Emerald Coast Federal Credit Union in Port St. Joe increased its ATM cash limits for members to $1,000 a day.
CUNA Mutual Group said it has activated its Customer Disaster Response Team.
“Our 24/7 claims emergency line is on high alert,” Phillip Tschudy, CUNA Mutual’s media and reputation strategist, said. “National mitigation firms are ready to respond should our customers need immediate mitigation assistance. We have engineering firms ready, should they be needed throughout the potentially impacted areas.”
The National Credit Union Foundation said it has opened CUAid to receive disaster relief funds to assist credit union people affected by Hurricane Michael. Donations to CUAid are being used for any credit union employees and volunteers affected by this hurricane. Credit union supporters in every state can make donations through cuaid.coop.
In addition, the League of Southeastern Credit Unions Foundation is also accepting contributions to help those in need at this PayPal site.
CU Times will be reporting updates about the hurricane’s impact when the information becomes available.