CUNA Mutual Group issued the following announcement on Oct. 11.
TALLAHASSE, Fla.—Credit unions along the Florida and Alabama Gulf Coast today are assessing damage to their operations, members and communities from Hurricane Michael.
The storm, which hit land at near Category 5 strength and which killed at least six people, is now dumping rain across portions of the Southeast.
“At this time, we are all hands on deck in assessing the situation for our credit union and headquarters,” said Cara Clark, communications manager at the League of Southeastern Credit Unions, who did not disclose if the league’s office here was damaged. “Many of our staff are without power due to trees being down. We know many of our credit unions also are affected, and the damages are significant.”
In hard-hit Panama City, Fla., Tyndall FCU Thursday noted that it is having problems with its systems, and that it is very concerned about its membership from the storm that left much of the coast of the Florida Panhandle in ruins.
‘By Your Side’
“Our thoughts and prayers are with our members and with the communities affected by Hurricane Michael,” the CU stated on its website. “We will be by your side in the coming days, weeks, and months, to help you recover from this devastating storm. Due to the storm, we are currently experiencing connectivity issues. We assure you that we are working diligently to switch to our backup system on the west coast. It is our priority to make sure you have access to your accounts as soon as possible. All Tyndall locations will be closed until further notice. Please continue to check our website for updates.”
As CUToday.info reported, a number of credit unions along the Gulf Coast of Florida had closed their offices as Michael was approaching. Many had hoped to reopen Thursday.
“We are assessing the damage and critical needs and assisting with funds and resources,” said Juli Lewis director, Southeastern Credit Union Foundation. “CUAid will be opened up today for those who want to help.”
Foundations Accepting Donations
The National Credit Union Foundation said it has also opened its CUAid to receive disaster relief funds to assist credit union people affected by Hurricane Michael.
“With Hurricane Michael arriving as the Florida’s strongest storm in over twenty-five years, we are opening CUAid to begin raising funds to assist credit union people in their recovery,” said Gigi Hyland, Executive Director. “We hope the credit union movement will once again show their support and cooperative spirit in assisting those who have been affected by this natural disaster.”
Michael, causing catastrophic effects across Florida and Georgia, is now hitting the already hurricane-soaked Carolinas. The Carolinas CU League said many CUs have been preparing for the onslaught.
“Forecasts of heavy rain, winds, and potential power outages prompted several credit unions to announce altered schedules late Wednesday and into Thursday,” the league said.
Original source can be found here.
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