Even as CUs in the Carolinas and the Mid-Atlantic began Hurricane Irene preparations on Friday and as newreminders went out from regulators about disasterreadiness, credit unions in the storm's path were finding socialnetworks a handy vehicle to keep in contact with members.

For one, the $1.8 billion Chartway FCU of Virginia Beach, Va.,said it has been using Facebook and its online website to providetips and checklists to members on staying informed, gettingprepared and knowing how to reach the CU “during and after thestorm.”

During the emergency “Chartway will be eminently prepared tosupport you,” said a Facebook message. “We are committed to doingwhatever we can to provide the solutions you need to weather anystorm,” with mention made of possible branch closings or otherservice disruptions.

Meanwhile, the New Jersey Department of Banking &Insurance in its disaster bulletin reminded institutions aboutmaintaining disaster response plans “to address all reasonablyforeseeable risks to the business community in the event of acatastrophic event.”

The regulator warned CUs to make sure preparedness plans include“any special provisions for check cashing by depositors ornon-depositors” in connection with identification matters covering“wire transfers, fee waivers and meeting credit needs.”

“Credit unions should take reasonable steps to adopt emergencyby-laws establishing the terms and conditions for continuity ofservices and be prepared to execute departmental directivessubsequent to a declaration of emergency by the governor,” said theagency.

CUNA Mutual, in a statement, said it would be monitoring damagefrom the hurricane, that it has contacted “potentiallyaffected credit unions throughout the region that carryour property and casualty coverages” and that it would followup with the CUs “once the storm passes”

CUNA Mutual again reminded the CUs “having an updated disasterrecovery plan in place is a must for all credit unions.”

Along the Eastern Seaboard, state leagues were issuing revisedbulletins and weather advisories. For instance, the Maryland/DCCredit Union Association reminded CUS they need “to take stepsbefore, during and after a hurricane to mitigate risks and helpprotect their most important assets – their members and theirstaff.”