Does Your Credit Union Crisis Plan Include Looting Procedures?

by. Robin Remines

Looting is a phenomenon that can follow natural disasters or civil disorders.  Credit unions are not immune to this threat and should update their credit union crisis plan to prepare for such an event. Looters are persons who gain access to and steal property in the aftermath of a disaster.  The looter takes advantage of the fact that our property is temporarily unprotected because of the confusion, disorder, and lack of police protection in the aftermath of a disaster.

Losses from looting will be minimized by taking the following steps prior to the evacuation of the building:

1. All drapes/shutters will be pulled to minimize the danger from flying glass and to hide equipment from view.

2. All cash, checks, and other valuables will be placed in a locked vault.  Depending upon the circumstances of the riot, teller currency trays may or may not be balanced prior to their being secured in the vault. This decision will be the President’s.

3. Extra security will be provided to the computer room and computers if possible.  If time permits, personal computers will be placed in the locked vault.

4. As many fixed assets as possible will be placed under lock and key.

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