By Shana Richardson, CEO, Ser Tech

Hurricane Lane ravaged The Big Island of Hawaii late last month, with some areas measuring more than 51 inches of rain from the colossal storm the third highest rainfall recorded in the US, according to The Washington Post.

Members and credit unions, alike, were forced to baton the hatches. The Hawaii Credit Union League coordinates with the Hawaii Financial Industry Resilience Security and Teamwork for Continuity (HawaiiFIRST), Credit Union Times reported, a volunteer organization that helps the financial industry coordinate with local, state and federal agencies, as well as other industries, to improve business continuity planning, HCUL Engagement Manager Tracy Aiwohi said. CUToday.info reported that PSCU was taking higher call volume due to the storm and it was prepared to handle it. Collaboration is key to continuity.

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In my home state of California, the wildfires have claimed at least a dozen lives so far in 2018 and destroyed more than 1,200 homes, according to The Los Angeles Times. Credit unions can be consumers’ stability in these times of uncertainty. Some, like Redwood CU, have highly coordinated plans, not only to keep the institution up and running, but also help members above and beyond the call of duty. Redwood provided affected members with 0% loans for quick cash, low-rate car loans, automatic 90-day extensions on loans, waived ATM and late fees, a 90-day hold on reporting to credit bureaus and grants to repair minor damages, plus a single point of contact on a specialized team operating from a single database so victims didn’t have to go through their stories over and over again. After Hurricane Katrina, credit unions in Louisiana were instrumental in getting small businesses back up and running, according to Credit Union Journal.

After disasters like these, which are increasing in frequency, consumers must rebuild their lives – not just their homes. Credit unions can be there for members for the long haul by assisting them with public aid, home equity loans and lines of credit, automobile loans, student loan refinancing or forbearance while they may be out of work, debt consolidation loans, or credit cards to help them replace what was in their homes. It may only be until the insurance money comes in, but they’ll remember who was there for them immediately.

Equifax’ Gunnar Blix explained during a Ser Tech webcast in January, that credit card delinquencies rise after a natural disaster, but it’s short lived. The positive close rate on auto loans remains relatively the same before and after, Blix said, using Superstorm Sandy as an example. Most exits occurred in areas with high winds, coastal surge and a high concentration of cars. He added that car buying surges the month after a major storm, however, the buying spree is short lived. Approximately 280,000 vehicles were affected during Sandy, two-thirds were prime and one-third were subprime. With the right credit data, which Ser Tech can help with, credit unions can act swiftly and in a safe and sound manner to help members.

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This situation must be handled delicately though. Credit unions mustn’t and shouldn’t ever appear predatory. The messaging and rates must be appropriate. Members are upset they’ve lost so much, including photos, wedding dresses and possibly even family that can’t be replaced; don’t be one more thing they’re upset about.