As Credit Union Times was going to press last week, Hurricane Isaac was bearing down on the Mississippi Gulf area. We are hopeful that credit unions and their employees stay hunkered down and safe through this stressful time. Like the rest of the country, we're awaiting reports back from colleagues, family and friends in the affected areas. Our thoughts are with them.

Reports from credit unions in the region were spotty at deadline, and many branches in the affected area were reportedly closed. In response to the storm, the NCUA announced that it would encourage credit unions to offer special terms on loans with reduced documentation for affected members, reschedule exams and ensure liquidity. All of these policy changes are reasonable to the temporary, regionalized circumstances. It is nice to see that the NCUA, like credit unions, understands things happen beyond anyone's control and credit unions need to be able to respond to them and their members' needs in times of crisis.

Credit unions, as they always do, will be working extra hard to assist their members through the ordeal. Even as the credit unions' employees deal with their own personal struggles with Isaac, they'll be there for their members. That's what they do and who they are.