Power outages, fuel shortages hamper Hurricane Wilma recovery

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (10/27/05)--Power outages and fuel shortages continue to hamper credit unions' efforts to reopen in the wake of Hurricane Wilma.

Mark Ivester, vice president of communications at the Florida Credit Union League, said many credit unions have powered their offices with generators since the hurricane hit Monday. Unfortunately, many credit unions using gasoline-powered generators are now running out of fuel.

Gasoline is in short supply due to distribution problems complicated by the lack of electricity to run pumps. Credit unions using diesel-powered generators will fare better as long as supplies arrive on schedule, Ivester said.

Florida Power and Light has projected that electricity will be restored in 90% of Florida by Nov. 8, with full service expected statewide by Nov. 15.

Telecommunications are working for most credit unions, although the league is still unable to reach some credit unions to check on local conditions. Credit Union Shared Services has opened emergency shared branching offices at three sites to help credit union members gain access to funds.

An update on shared sites and credit union branch status is available on the Florida league site using the resource link below.

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Resource Links
Status of Florida Credit Unions
Relief Effort and Support for CUs (R.E.S.C.U.)
News Now Related Stories: Hurricanes 2005


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