HARAHAN, La. – Credit unions in states along the Gulf Coast are preparing for a potential strike from Hurricane Gustav.
The Louisiana Credit Union League (LCUL) and the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions (LOFI) has activated TelSpan, a telephone response system for credit unions. Recorded messages from authorities are available on TelSpan regarding emergency preparedness.
Meanwhile, in Jackson, Miss., the Mississippi Credit Union Association, which has extensive experience in disaster preparedness, has changed a board meeting scheduled for today and tomorrow to a webcast, so that board members have more time to prepare their credit unions and homes rather than traveling to a meeting. “We are in full hurricane mode here already," Lora Michael, President/CEO of Jackson County CU, told the MCUA. "By Friday, all preparations will be complete no matter what the predictions are. We cannot risk a turn for the worse over the long weekend, especially being so close to the Gulf and with only one facility.”
Singing River FCU (SRFCU) has activated its Hurricane Preparedness Plan and also expects completion by close of business Friday. The plan includes, among other preparations, securing ample cash to meet post-hurricane member needs for up 10 days, as well the ability to operate manually for up to 10 work days in the event power is not restored.
