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Federal Aid Programs for the State of Alaska Disaster Recovery

Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama’s major disaster declaration issued for Alaska.

Assistance for Affected Individuals and Families Can Include as Required:

Rental payments for temporary housing for those whose homes are unlivable. Initial assistance may be provided for up to three months for homeowners and at least one month for renters. Assistance may be extended if requested after the initial period based on a review of individual applicant requirements. (Source: FEMA funded and administered.)
Grants for home repairs and replacement of essential household items not covered by insurance to make damaged dwellings safe, sanitary and functional. (Source: FEMA funded and administered.)
Grants to replace personal property and help meet medical, dental, funeral, transportation and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other federal, state and charitable aid programs. (Source: FEMA funded at 75 percent of total eligible costs; 25 percent funded by the state.)
Unemployment payments up to 26 weeks for workers who temporarily lost jobs because of the disaster and who do not qualify for state benefits, such as self-employed individuals. (Source: FEMA funded; state administered.)
Low-interest loans to cover residential losses not fully compensated by insurance. Loans available up to $200,000 for primary residence; $40,000 for personal property, including renter losses. Loans available up to $2 million for business property losses not fully compensated by insurance. (Source: U.S. Small Business Administration.)
Loans up to $2 million for small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes that have suffered disaster-related cash flow problems and need funds for working capital to recover from the disaster’s adverse economic impact. This loan in combination with a property loss loan cannot exceed a total of $2 million. (Source: U.S. Small Business Administration.)
Loans up to $500,000 for farmers, ranchers and aquaculture operators to cover production and property losses, excluding primary residence. (Source: Farm Service Agency, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.)
Other relief programs: Crisis counseling for those traumatized by the disaster; income tax assistance for filing casualty losses; advisory assistance for legal, veterans’ benefits and social security matters.

Assistance for the State, Tribal, and Affected Local Governments Can Include as Required:

Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for removing debris from public areas and for emergency measures taken to save lives and protect property and public health, including direct federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program.(Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
Payment of not more than 75 percent of the approved costs for hazard mitigation projects undertaken by state and local governments to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural or technological disasters. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

How to Apply for Assistance:

Those in the area designated for assistance to affected individuals and business owners can begin the disaster application process by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or by web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov. Disaster assistance applicants, who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice. Applicants registering for aid should be prepared to provide basic information about themselves (name, permanent address, phone number), insurance coverage and any other information to help substantiate losses.
Application procedures for local governments will be explained at a series of federal/state applicant briefings with locations to be announced in the affected area by recovery officials. Approved public repair projects are paid through the state from funding provided by FEMA and other participating federal agencies.

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Follow FEMA online at http://blog.fema.gov, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Original article:

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Alaska Disaster Recovery

Mississippi Community Recognized For Reducing Flood Risks

Biloxi, Miss. earns Discount on Flood Insurance Premiums

ATLANTA – Biloxi residents with flood insurance policies will now receive a decrease on their annual flood premiums thanks to the city’s active participation in the National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System.

FEMA Region IV Floodplain Management and Insurance Branch Chief Susan Wilson recognized Biloxi officials today with a plaque for the city’s efforts in becoming the third city in the state to earn a Class 5 community rating.

“Reaching a Class 5 rating is so rare nationwide that it really speaks to the local officials and their hard work and determination,” Wilson said. “They understand the extra effort isn’t just for a decrease to insurance premiums, but it is ensuring the entire city is more resistant to flood damage and more disaster resilient overall.”

The CRS rewards communities that voluntarily take steps to reduce flood risks beyond the minimum requirements of the NFIP. These steps, which include increasing flood protection and implementing preparedness and mitigation activities, lead to safer communities and ultimately help saves lives and property. As a result, property owners and renters in CRS-participating communities enjoy a reduction in flood insurance premiums. Communities are ranked from a 10 to 1 scale which determines their flood insurance discounts.

Biloxi policyholders began receiving flood insurance discounts from the CRS program in 1996. As a result of additional steps the community has recently taken, the community moved from a CRS Class 6 to a CRS Class 5 effective May 1, earning an additional five percent savings on flood insurance.

There are more than 5,900 flood insurance policies in Biloxi, representing more than $1.5 billion in flood insurance coverage. Policyholders located in the high risk areas of flooding, or Special Flood Hazard Areas, can now receive a 25 percent discount on their policy premium, which is an average savings of $285 per policy. Some policyholders in the lower risk areas are eligible for a 10 percent discount. In total, policyholders realize an annual savings of more than $437,000 because of the community’s CRS participation.

CRS is a voluntary program for NFIP-participating communities. The intended goals of the program are to reduce flood losses, facilitate accurate insurance ratings and to promote the awareness of flood insurance. The two other Mississippi communities to earn a Class 5 rating are Pascagoula and Waveland.

For more information on the NFIP’s CRS program visit www.fema.gov/business/nfip/crs.shtm. For more information about the NFIP, a program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), visit www.floodsmart.gov.

Community Rating System Facts:

Nationwide Communities: 1,211

Nationwide Class 5: 66

Mississippi Communities: 29

Mississippi Class 5: 3

Originally from:

Mississippi Community Recognized For Reducing Flood Risks

Only Two Weeks Remain to Register for Disaster Assistance

Aurora, Ill. – Illinoisans who were affected by the April 16 to May 5 severe weather and who have not yet registered for federal disaster assistance have only two weeks left to call FEMA’s toll-free registration line at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585 to find out if they are eligible for disaster assistance.

Tuesday, July 9, 2013, is the deadline to register for assistance.

Multilingual phone operators are available. Choose Option 2 for Spanish and Option 3 for other languages.

Residents also may register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. It is not necessary to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to register with FEMA.

“As the registration deadline approaches, we urge homeowners, renters and business owners who sustained uninsured losses during the severe storms, straight-line winds and flooding of April 16 to May 5, to register for assistance,” said W. Michael Moore, the federal official in charge of disaster recovery. “It is important that applicants leave determination of eligibility for assistance to federal program experts and not automatically disqualify themselves.”

For more information visit the Illinois Disaster website www.fema.gov/disaster/4116.

Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Media Contact: 571-408-1835

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Only Two Weeks Remain to Register for Disaster Assistance

When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. — Thunderstorms and lightning are in the forecast for much of New England this week. To be safe from dangerous lightning follow this simple rule: When thunder roars, go indoors.

Lightning kills an average of 55-60 people a year in the U.S. But 90 percent of those who are struck survive, often with permanent neurological disabilities. Eighty percent of lightning fatalities occur among men who were fishing, boating, golfing, biking, or working outdoors.

To be safe remember the 30/30 rule: If you see lightning and cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you. Immediately move to safe shelter: a substantial building with electricity or plumbing or an enclosed, metal-topped vehicle with windows up. Stay in the safe shelter at least 30 minutes after you hear the last sound of thunder.

Indoor Lightning Safety

Stay off corded phones, computers and other electrical equipment that put you in direct contact with electricity.
Stay away from plumbing, including sinks, baths and faucets.
Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.
Do not lie on concrete floors, and do not lean against concrete walls.

Outdoor Risk Reduction Tips

If you are in a forest, seek shelter in a low area under a thick growth of small trees.
In an open area go to a low place such as a ravine or valley. Be alert for flash floods.
On open water get to land and find shelter immediately.
Never lie flat on the ground.
Never shelter under an isolated tree.
Get away from ponds, lakes and other bodies of water.
Stay away from objects that conduct electricity (barbed wire fences, power lines, windmills, etc.)

To find out more and for resources to help teachers, communities, organizations and families stay safe from lightning dangers, go to www.ready.gov/thunderstorms-lightning or www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov.

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When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!

Disaster Recovery Centers in Chicago to Close

AURORA, Ill. – Disaster survivors in Chicago have until 6 p.m. Friday, June 28 to visit the two remaining Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in north and south Chicago.

Cook County

North Park Village

5801 N. Pulaski, Building C

Chicago, IL 60646

Royal Savings Bank

9226 S. Commercial Ave.

Chicago, IL 60617

The state and FEMA closely monitor visitor traffic at all Illinois disaster recovery centers. Traffic at these centers has decreased, indicating the information needs of survivors in the area have mostly been met.

After the DRCs close, registration continues to be available in several ways: online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362. For more information, visit the Illinois Disaster website www.fema.gov/disaster/4116.

Multilingual phone operators are available on the FEMA helpline. Choose Option 2 for Spanish and Option 3 for other languages.

The deadline to register for FEMA assistance is Tuesday, July 9.

Media Contact: 571-408-1835

Link to article:

Disaster Recovery Centers in Chicago to Close

FEMA Announces New, Returning Members to National Youth Preparedness Council

OAKLAND, Calif. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced newly selected members and distinguished returning Council members of the FEMA National Youth Preparedness Council (YPC). The Council supports FEMA’s emphasis on and dedication to involving the “Whole Community” in preparedness planning and activities.

FEMA’s Youth Preparedness Council was formed last year to bring together youth leaders from across the country that are highly interested and engaged in advocating youth preparedness and to making a difference in their communities. The Council supports FEMA’s commitment to involving youth in preparedness-related activities, and provides an avenue to engage young people, taking into account their perspectives, feedback and opinions. Council members will attend a Youth Preparedness Council Summit on youth disaster preparedness and will also complete a Council project with FEMA support.

In its second year, interest in the Youth Preparedness Council has increased based on the number of applications received this year for the five seats available. The five newest members of the Council from across the country have been selected based on their dedication to public service, efforts in making a difference in their community, and their potential to expand their impact as national advocates for youth preparedness.

The returning Council members from FEMA Region IX are as follows:

• FEMA Region IX: Divya Saini (California)

• FEMA Region IX: Tiffany Espensen (California)

• FEMA Region IX: Christian Chowen (Hawaii)

Over the past year, the Youth Preparedness Council members have been promoting preparedness in their communities and across the nation. Several members achieved noteworthy results, including:

• Tiffany Espensen (California), is a 14-year old Teen CERT graduate from one of the first classes held by Julian/Cuyamaca CERT organization where she participated in numerous drills and classes and helps teach skills to other youth and promoting CERT in interviews. She currently starts on Nickelodeon’s “Bucket and Skinner” show. Tiffany developed “Tiffy’s Tip Tuesday” in which she relays disaster preparedness tips via her Twitter account and has more than 17,000 Twitter followers and almost 1,000 Facebook likes on her fan page, helping her spread the word through social media.

• Divya Saini (California) participates in the block Preparedness Coordinator Program and volunteers at local emergency preparedness events to encourage preparedness. She is the founder of Movers and Shakers, a teen club designed to keep Palo Alto resilient. Divya was recently recognized with a grant from Palo Alto High School Board to further her efforts in helping teens be prepared. Recently, Divya was awarded the “Disney Friends for Change” grant for her Block Preparedness Coordinator work, and has authored and published three articles about preparedness in the Palo Alto Weekly Newspaper.

These young people have proven to be positive influencers, leaders, and first responders for their families, peers, and neighbors in taking the preparedness message to heart and to home. The Youth Preparedness Council will continue to provide a venue to engage an often overlooked population and take into account their perspectives, feedback, and opinions.

This year, Council members will have the opportunity to participate in a community preparedness roundtable event in Washington D.C., where they will advise and ask questions on youth disaster preparedness with the leadership of national organizations working on this critical priority. Council members will also determine their Council project and meet with FEMA Community Preparedness staff, who will be their ongoing FEMA support contacts and mentors. Members will also meet virtually with FEMA leadership on a regular basis throughout the year and will provide ongoing input on strategies and initiatives as well as updates on their projects.

To learn more about FEMA’s youth preparedness efforts please visit: www.ready.gov/youth-preparedness.

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FEMA Announces New, Returning Members to National Youth Preparedness Council

Has a FEMA Housing Inspector Assessed Damage to Your Dwelling?

AURORA, Ill. – A FEMA-contracted housing inspector must visit your damaged dwelling before a determination can be made that you are eligible for an Individual Assistance grant to help repair damage caused by the storms of April 16 to May 5.

The first step is to register with FEMA, which must be done before the July 9 deadline. Within a few days after registration, the applicant will receive a call from an inspector assigned to check the damage. The inspector will make an appointment to visit the dwelling.

FEMA does its own inspections. It does not receive information from flood insurance adjustors, SBA, or other sources.

It you do not receive a call from a FEMA inspector within two weeks after registration, you should call the FEMA helpline to verify your registration, 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362.

Making a flood insurance claim does not register you with FEMA. If you do not register with FEMA within the 60-day registration period ending July 9, you will not be eligible for FEMA assistance later if your flood insurance does not fully cover your loss. However, if you are registered, you have up to a year to request FEMA assistance if insurance coverage falls short.

FEMA registration is available online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov, in addition to the telephone numbers listed above.

Multilingual phone operators are available on the FEMA helpline. Choose Option 2 for Spanish and Option 3 for other languages.

Media Contact: 571-408-1835

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Has a FEMA Housing Inspector Assessed Damage to Your Dwelling?

PRELIMINARY FLOOD MAPS IN CHAMBERS AND COASTAL HARRIS COUNTY, TX READY FOR PUBLIC VIEW Public Open House Scheduled to Share Map Changes and Flood Risk…

DENTON, Texas –Homeowners, renters and business owners in the Texas counties of Chambers and coastal communities in Harris are encouraged to look over newly released preliminary flood maps in order to determine their flood risks and make informed decisions.

County officials and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are presenting the preliminary maps to communities and unincorporated areas in order to help leaders and residents identify known flood risks and use that information to make decisions about buying flood insurance and any future development.

The Texas-based coastal flood mapping effort follows the release of a new, comprehensive storm surge study that gives updated information on coastal flood risks. To share that data, public workshops are scheduled in each of the counties where interested citizens can obtain more information about the proposed changes.

Harris County                                     Harris County                                          Chambers County
Tuesday, June 25                               Wednesday, June 26                                Thursday, June 27
Webster Civic Center                         Webster Civic Center                                  Baytown Community Center
311 Pennsylvania Ave.                         311 Pennsylvania Ave.                                 2407 Market St.
Webster, TX 77598                             Webster, TX 77598                                      Baytown, TX 77520
2 p.m. – 8 p.m.                                   2 p.m. – 8 p.m.                                            2 p.m. – 8 p.m.

“As we work together with our state and local partners to bring this critical information to these counties, we ask that everyone review the maps to understand what flood risks are involved,” said FEMA R6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “The role of the community as an active partner in the flood mapping process is very important.”

Additional information is available, including links to the interactive mapping website on www.txchart.com. Residents can also contact the floodplain administrator in each county for more details.

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PRELIMINARY FLOOD MAPS IN CHAMBERS AND COASTAL HARRIS COUNTY, TX READY FOR PUBLIC VIEW Public Open House Scheduled to Share Map Changes and Flood Risk…

FEMA Awards More Than $11.2 Million to Louisiana for Hurricane Isaac-related Projects

DENTON, Texas – More than a combined total of $11.2 million was recently awarded to the state of Louisiana by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for reimbursement of emergency protective measures undertaken during Hurricane Isaac, as well as to cover storm-related repairs to a pump station in Plaquemines Parish.

The projects include:

• More than $4.6 million for the State of Louisiana – Department of Health and Hospitals for emergency protective measures consisting of labor, equipment, materials and contract costs;
• More than $2.1 million to Plaquemines Parish for permanent repairs to the Scarsdale Pump Station;
• Nearly $3.4 million to Dixie Electric Membership Corporation for emergency protective measures consisting of contract costs to restore power, labor, equipment, materials and rented equipment;
• And more than $1 million to South Louisiana Electric for the emergency protective measures consisting of the use of contract personnel and equipment for the restoration of electrical service.

FEMA’s contributions, made possible by Public Assistance grants, represent a 75 percent federal cost share. FEMA awards funding for projects directly to the state of Louisiana; the state then forwards the grant to the eligible applicant.

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FEMA Awards More Than $11.2 Million to Louisiana for Hurricane Isaac-related Projects

Two Regional Youth Leaders Participating in FEMA’s National Youth Preparedness Council

KANSAS CITY, Mo – Today the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency announced five newly selected members, including Emily Rosenblum of Wentzille, Mo., have joined FEMA’s National Youth Preparedness Council (YPC). Also from our region and joining the council for a second year, is Nimansha Jain of Omaha, Neb. As council members, these young ladies support FEMA’s emphasis on and dedication to involving the whole community in disaster-preparedness related activities.

“We’re very excited to have two young leaders from our region on the council. In addition to harnessing their ideas to improve how FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards today, the council grows leaders who will be amongst future stewards of our communities and country,” said Region VII Administrator Beth Freeman. “These young people will learn, share and influence their families and friends to make America more disaster resilient.”

FEMA’s Youth Preparedness Council was formed last year to bring together youth leaders from across the country that are highly interested and engaged in advocating youth preparedness and making a difference in their communities. The Council supports FEMA’s commitment to involving youth in preparedness-related activities, and provides an avenue to engage youth population, taking into account their perspectives, feedback and opinions. Council members will attend a Youth Preparedness Council Summit on youth disaster preparedness and will also complete a Council project with FEMA support.

Young people are capable of playing an important role in emergency preparedness, and have the unique potential to help their communities be safe, stronger and more resilient before, during and after a disaster. Youth involved in preparedness programs are able to effectively spread important messages about preparedness to their family, school and community. By participating in youth preparedness programs, young individuals are empowered to become leaders at home, in their schools and communities.

The distinguished members selected in 2013 are as follows:

• FEMA Region II: Sophie Friedfeld-Gebaide (New York)

• FEMA Region III: Alex Pasculle (Pennsylvania)

• FEMA Region IV: Louyankkah Justilien (Florida)

• FEMA Region V: Daniel Wernsman (Wisconsin)

• FEMA Region VII: Emily Rosenblum (Missouri) ** See biography below

The returning Council members are as follows:

• FEMA Region I: Rachel Little (Massachusetts)

• FEMA Region II: Gabriela Rodriguez Boria (Puerto Rico)

• FEMA Region V: Jason Reed (Indiana)

• FEMA Region VI: Jonathan DeLong (Texas)

• FEMA Region VII: Nimansha Jain (Nebraska) ** See biography below

• FEMA Region VIII: Ashley Houston (Utah)

• FEMA Region IX: Divya Saini (California)

• FEMA Region IX: Tiffany Espensen (California)

• FEMA Region IX: Christian Chowen (Hawaii)

• FEMA Region X: Cayman Kirkhart (Idaho)

Over the past year, the Youth Preparedness Council members have been promoting preparedness in their communities and across the nation. Several members achieved noteworthy results, including:

• Rachel Little (Region I) authored a FEMA blog post about the importance of preparing for severe weather.

• Gabriela Boria (Region II) developed a preparedness group called REACT that holds “Preparedness Days” and started a Teen CERT program at her school.

• Ashley Houston (Region VIII) was requested to speak about youth preparedness on a panel at the 2013 Institute of Medicine Workshop (to be held in June 2013).

• Divya Saini (Region IX) was awarded the “Disney Friends for Change” grant for her Block Preparedness Coordinator work, and has authored and published three articles about preparedness in the Palo Alto Weekly Newspaper.

• Tiffany Espensen (Region IX) developed “Tiffy’s Tip Tuesday” in which she relays disaster preparedness tips via her Twitter account, which currently has 16,880 followers.

This summer council members will have the opportunity to participate in the Youth Preparedness Council Summit in Washington, D.C. During the summit they will ask questions of and make recommendations to organizations working on this critical priority—disaster resiliency. Council members will also choose a Council project and meet with FEMA Community Preparedness staff, who will be their ongoing support contacts and mentors. Members will also meet virtually with FEMA leadership on a regular basis throughout the year and will provide ongoing input on strategies and initiatives as well as updates about their projects.

To learn more about FEMA’s youth preparedness efforts please visit: www.ready.gov/youth-preparedness.

Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Find regional updates from FEMA Region VII at www.twitter.com/femaregion7. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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Emily Rosenblum of Wentzville, MO

Emily Rosenblum’s passion and dedication to emergency preparedness is demonstrated through her involvement with CERT and other community groups. As a Teen CERT instructor assistant, Emily participates in numerous countrywide disaster exercises, is an active Teen CERT spokesperson and continues to advocate disaster preparedness at her high school. Emily always considers those with learning disabilities and access and functional needs when making decisions during disaster response exercises. She has also volunteered hundreds of hours to helping the Boy Scouts of America with merit badges and award requirements, in addition to the Sam “Ready I Am” program that educates youth about natural disaster hazards.

Nimansha Jain of Omaha, NE

Nimansha is a member of the Ralston Fire Explorer’s Unit, which provides training for fire and medical emergency preparedness and is certified in CPR. She has been elected to the University of Nebraska Medical Center Student Advisory Group, which works with high school students to promote public health and preparedness messages through monthly community sessions to almost 100 teens. Because some teens could not attend every session, Nimansha started to use social media to help share information from the sessions and get the word out on various volunteer opportunities for youth.

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Two Regional Youth Leaders Participating in FEMA’s National Youth Preparedness Council

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