The League of Southeastern Credit Unions said Wednesday abouttwo-thirds of the Florida's 136 credit unions were affected byHurricane Irma and approximately 80 credit unions reportedthey have reopened for business, up from about 35 onTuesday.

However, among several credit unions that said they reopenedtheir doors, they also reported some of their branches remainedclosed Wednesday because of power outages.

According to the Florida Division of Emergency Management, about3.5 million homes and businesses were without power as of Wednesdayat 3 p.m. Most of the power outages are concentrated in eightcounties in southwestern Florida, including Highlands, Hardee,Glades, Lee, Okeechobee, Hendry, Collier and Monroe, which includesthe Keys. In those counties, 60% to 100% of homes and businesses donot have power, the FDEM's power outage data showed.

However, in an additional six counties in northern Florida –Suwannee, Lafayette, Bradford, Union, Baker and Putnam – more than50% of homes and businesses still had no power as of Wednesdayafternoon.

“The number one issue seems to be lack of power and internet[service] to many branches,” Kim Gay, LSCU's director ofcommunications, said. “Another issue is that roads to branches insome areas such as Jacksonville have been blocked due to flooding,making it difficult for employees to get to work.”

Despite these difficult circumstances, many credit unions arefinding ways to serve their members by using generators andpartnerships with other credit unions, she noted. Credit unionsthroughout the state that have power and internet have offered tohelp in various ways.

“Many have limited staff available and are performingtransactions off-line,” Gay said. “In the spirit of 'people helpingpeople' many are offering low-interest disaster relief loans andwaiving fees to provide immediate relief for their members duringthis time of need.”

LSCU is continuing to reach out daily to credit unions andassessing their needs. Credit unions are asked to provide statusupdates by going to LSCU's website or email [email protected].

“The LSCU is now working closely with CUNA and other partners tomeet the needs of our credit unions, staff and board members,”LSCU President/CEO Patrick La Pine said. “It is critical thatwe learn as quickly as possible of the needs in order to assist ourcredit unions and expedite recovery.”

The Southeastern Credit Union Foundation is ready to assistmembers and volunteers with disaster relief grants. For moreinformation about the grants or to make a donation, please visitlscu.coop/foundation.

In addition, a new call center service to help members waslaunched by CUNA, PSCU and CO-OP Financial Services. The callcenter is helping credit unions get information to their members.Call center operators are monitoring websites and receiving updatesfrom LSCU to assist members with information about the operatingstatus of their credit union, ATM and shared branch locations, andother important information.