TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Homeowners, renters and business owners in Manatee, Taylor and Wakulla counties may now apply for federal disaster assistance for uninsured and underinsured damages and losses resulting from Hurricane Hermine.

Citrus, Dixie, Hernando, Hillsborough, Leon, Levy, Pasco, and Pinellas counties are already designated for Individual Assistance.

Twenty-two Florida counties had earlier received a Public Assistance designation as a result of Hurricane Hermine. 

To be eligible for federal aid under FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program, storm damage and losses must have occurred as a result of Hurricane Hermine. 

Survivors are encouraged to register with FEMA as soon as possible. If you preregistered with FEMA, you do not have to apply again. If you have phone and/or internet access, you may register:

  • Online at DisasterAssistance.gov, or

  • On the FEMA Mobile App, or by

  • Calling 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362. People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585.

  • The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week until further notice.

  • Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish).

Assistance for eligible survivors can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, and for other serious disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses or funeral and burial costs.

Long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) also may be available to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

Survivors should contact their insurance company to file their insurance claim. FEMA is unable to duplicate insurance payments. However, those without insurance or those who may be underinsured may still receive help.

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Manatee, Taylor and Wakulla Counties Designated for Individual Assistance

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.- A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) has opened in Titusville to help residents affected by Hurricane Matthew.

DRCs serve as one-stop shops for eligible storm survivors seeking one-on-one help. Representatives from the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and various state agencies will be at the center to answer questions.

The center is located at:

Harry T. Moore Social Service Center

725 South Deleon Av

Titusville, FL 32780

          Open Monday – Saturday

           9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

           Closed Sundays

FDEM and FEMA officials continue to work closely with local officials in hard-hit areas to identify possible sites for additional centers.

Downloading the FEMA App (available in English and Spanish) to their mobile device will allow survivors to:

  • Apply for disaster assistance;
  • Get directions to the nearest Disaster Recovery Center by visiting the DRC locator;
  • Get weather alerts;
  • Subscribe to disaster safety tips.

Many services available at disaster recovery centers are also available by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 (voice, 711/VRS-Video Relay Service) (TTY: 800-462-7585). Toll-free lines are open

7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week, until further notice. Multilingual operators are available, (for Spanish, press 2).  Survivors with questions regarding the application or the appeals process, or who need to register for assistance, may visit online at DisasterAssistance.gov.

Survivors requiring a reasonable accommodation (ASL interpreting, Braille Large Print, etc.) while visiting a disaster recovery center may call the appropriate helpline number above to receive support.

FEMA encourages survivors to register as soon as possible. Those who may have registered with their county emergency management office, the American Red Cross or other community organizations are reminded to also register with FEMA. If you pre-registered with FEMA before the presidential disaster declaration for Hurricane Matthew, there is no need to register again. However, you should keep FEMA informed about any change in your address, telephone number or other contact information.

Disaster assistance may include grants to help homeowners and renters pay for temporary housing, essential home repairs, personal property replacement, and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

SBA offers low-interest disaster loans for businesses of all sizes, homeowners, renters, and certain private non-profit organizations. SBA disaster loans may cover repairs, rebuilding, as well as the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged real estate and personal property.

For more information about SBA loans, call SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (TTY: 800-877-8339), email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visit http://www.sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4283, twitter.com/femaregion4, facebook.com/FEMA, and fema.gov/blog, floridadisaster.org or #FLRecovers. For imagery, video, graphics and releases, see www.fema.gov/Hurricane-Matthew.

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Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Brevard County for Hurricane Matthew

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.- A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) has opened in Jacksonville to help residents affected by Hurricane Matthew.

DRCs serve as one-stop shops for eligible storm survivors seeking one-on-one help. Representatives from the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and various state agencies will be at the center to answer questions.

The center is located at:

                    Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center

                    1000 Water St.

                    Jacksonville, FL 32204

Open Monday – Saturday

9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Closed Sundays    

FDEM and FEMA officials continue to work closely with local officials in hard-hit areas to identify possible sites for additional centers.

Downloading the FEMA App (available in English and Spanish) to their mobile device will allow survivors to:

  • Apply for disaster assistance;
  • Get directions to the nearest Disaster Recovery Center by visiting the DRC locator;
  • Get weather alerts;
  • Subscribe to disaster safety tips.

Many services available at disaster recovery centers are also available by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 (voice, 711/VRS-Video Relay Service) (TTY: 800-462-7585).

Toll-free lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week, until further notice. Multilingual operators are available (for Spanish, press 2). Survivors with questions regarding the application or the appeals process, or who need to register for assistance, may visit online at DisasterAssistance.gov.

Survivors requiring a reasonable accommodation (ASL interpreting, Braille Large Print, etc.) while visiting a disaster recovery center may call the appropriate helpline number above to receive support.

FEMA encourages survivors to register as soon as possible. Those who may have registered with their county emergency management office, the American Red Cross or other community organizations are reminded to also register with FEMA. If you pre-registered with FEMA before the presidential disaster declaration for Hurricane Matthew, there is no need to register again. However, you should keep FEMA informed about any change in your address, telephone number or other contact information.

Disaster assistance may include grants to help homeowners and renters pay for temporary housing, essential home repairs, personal property replacement, and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

SBA offers low-interest disaster loans for businesses of all sizes, homeowners, renters, and certain private non-profit organizations. SBA disaster loans may cover repairs, rebuilding, as well as the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged real estate and personal property.

For more information about SBA loans, call SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (TTY: 800-877-8339), email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visit http://www.sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4283, twitter.com/femaregion4, facebook.com/FEMA, and fema.gov/blog, floridadisaster.org or #FLRecovers. For imagery, video, graphics and releases, see www.fema.gov/Hurricane-Matthew.

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Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Duval County for Hurricane Matthew

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – If you applied for FEMA help in the aftermath of the recent hurricanes and you disagree with the decision stated in the letter you received, a quick fix may be all that is needed to change it. 

It’s important that you read your letter carefully to understand FEMA’s decision so you will know exactly what you need to do. Many times applicants just have to submit extra documents for FEMA to process their application.

Examples of missing documentation may include an insurance settlement letter, proof of residence, proof of ownership of the damaged property, and proof that the damaged property was your primary residence at the time of the disaster.

If instructed and needed, you can simply submit missing documentation to FEMA online at www.disasterassistance.gov, by mail or fax, or by visiting a Disaster Recovery Center.

There may be more than one reason you disagree with FEMA’s decision. For example, if you feel the amount or type of assistance is incorrect, you may submit an appeal letter and any documents needed to support your claim, such as a contractor’s estimate for home repairs.

If you have insurance, FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments. However, if you’re under-insured you may receive further assistance for unmet needs after insurance claims have been settled.

How to Appeal a FEMA Decision

All appeals must be filed in writing to FEMA. You should explain why you think the decision is incorrect. When submitting your letter, please include:

  • Your full name
  • Date and place of birth
  • Address

In addition, your letter must be either notarized, include a copy of a state issued identification card, or include the following statement, “I hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.” You must sign the letter.

If someone other than you or the co-applicant is writing the letter, there must be a signed statement from you affirming that the person may act on your behalf. You should keep a copy of your appeal for your records.

To file an appeal, letters must be postmarked, received by fax, or personally submitted at a Disaster Recovery Center within 60 days of the date on the determination letter.

By mail:

FEMA – Individuals & Households Program
National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055

By fax:
800-827-8112
Attention: FEMA – Individuals & Households Program

You should have received a booklet called “Help after a Disaster. It explains what you need to provide for your appeal. The booklet is available online at www.fema.gov/help-after-disaster.

If you have any questions about submitting insurance documents, proving occupancy or ownership, or anything else about your letter, you may call the FEMA helpline 800-621-3362 (voice/711/VRS-Video Relay Service) (TTY: 800-462-7585). Multilingual operators are available (for Spanish press 2). The toll-free lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery visit fema.gov/disaster/4280, fema.gov/disaster/4283, twitter.com/femaregion4, facebook.com/FEMA, and fema.gov/blog, floridadisaster.org or #FLRecovers. For imagery, video, graphics and releases, see fema.gov/Hurricane-Matthew.

Link: 

Understanding Your FEMA Letter and How to Appeal It

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Survivors of Hurricane Hermine in Pinellas County can visit the Lowe’s home improvement center in Pinellas Park for free information on topics such as flood proofing a home, how to elevate utilities and removing and replacing wet drywall.

Specialists with FEMA will be available from November 3 to November 8:

WHERE:       Lowe’s

                      7301 Park Blvd.

                      Pinellas Park, FL 34429

WHEN:          Thursday and Friday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

  Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

                       Monday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

                       Tuesday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Survivors can ask questions and get home-improvement tips to reduce damage in future disasters. This free information is geared to both homeowners and general contractors.

FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program has a call center to answer policyholder questions, service claims, provide general information and offer technical assistance. To speak with a flood insurance specialist, call 800-621-3362 (voice, 711/VRS-Video Relay Service) (TTY: 800-462-7585). Multilingual operators are available (for Spanish, press 2).

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4280, twitter.com/femaregion4, facebook.com/FEMA, and fema.gov/blog, floridadisaster.org or #FLRecovers.

Continue reading here – 

Learn How to Rebuild Safer, Stronger in Pinellas County

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.- A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) has opened in Vero Beach to help residents affected by Hurricane Matthew.

DRCs serve as one-stop shops for eligible storm survivors seeking one-on-one help. Representatives from the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and various state agencies will be at the center to answer questions

The center is located at:

                    Indian River State College

Brackett Library

6155 College Lane

Vero Beach, FL 32966

Open Monday – Saturday

9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Closed Sundays

FDEM and FEMA officials continue to work closely with local officials in hard-hit areas to identify possible sites for additional centers.

Downloading the FEMA App (available in English and Spanish) to their mobile device will allow survivors to:

  • Apply for disaster assistance
  • Get directions to the nearest Disaster Recovery Center by visiting the DRC locator
  • Get weather alerts
  • Subscribe to disaster safety tips

Many services available at disaster recovery centers are also available by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 (voice, 711/VRS-Video Relay Service) (TTY: 800-462-7585). Toll-free lines are open

7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available, (for Spanish, press 2). Survivors with questions regarding the application or the appeals process, or who need to register for assistance, may visit online at DisasterAssistance.gov.

Survivors requiring a reasonable accommodation (ASL interpreting, Braille Large Print, etc.) while visiting a disaster recovery center may call the appropriate helpline number above to receive support.

FEMA encourages survivors to register as soon as possible. Those who may have registered with their county emergency management office, the American Red Cross or other community organizations are reminded to also register with FEMA. If you pre-registered with FEMA before the presidential disaster declaration for Hurricane Matthew, there is no need to register again. However, you should keep FEMA informed about any change in your address, telephone number or other contact information.

Disaster assistance may include grants to help homeowners and renters pay for temporary housing, essential home repairs, personal property replacement, and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

SBA offers low-interest disaster loans for businesses of all sizes, homeowners, renters, and certain private non-profit organizations. SBA disaster loans may cover repairs, rebuilding, as well as the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged real estate and personal property.

For more information about SBA loans, call SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at

800-659-2955 (TTY: 800-877-8339), email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visit http://www.sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4283, twitter.com/femaregion4, facebook.com/FEMA, and fema.gov/blog, floridadisaster.org or #FLRecovers. For imagery, video, graphics and releases, see www.fema.gov/Hurricane-Matthew.

Continued:  

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Indian River County for Hurricane Matthew

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.- A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) has opened in Daytona Beach to help residents affected by Hurricane Matthew.

DRCs serve as one-stop shops for eligible storm survivors seeking one-on-one help. Representatives from the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and various state agencies will be at the center to answer questions

The center is located at:

                     Florida Department of Health – Volusia County

                    1845 Holsonback Drive

WIC/Conference Center Entrance

Daytona Beach, FL 32117

Open Monday – Saturday

9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Closed Sundays

FDEM and FEMA officials continue to work closely with local officials in hard-hit areas to identify possible sites for additional centers.

Downloading the FEMA App (available in English and Spanish) to their mobile device will allow survivors to:

  • Apply for disaster assistance
  • Get directions to the nearest Disaster Recovery Center by visiting the DRC locator
  • Get weather alerts
  • Subscribe to disaster safety tips

Many services available at disaster recovery centers are also available by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 (voice, 711/VRS-Video Relay Service) (TTY: 800-462-7585). Toll-free lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available, (for Spanish, press 2). Survivors with questions regarding the application or the appeals process, or who need to register for assistance, may visit online at DisasterAssistance.gov.

Survivors requiring a reasonable accommodation (ASL interpreting, Braille Large Print, etc.) while visiting a disaster recovery center may call the appropriate helpline number above to receive support.

FEMA encourages survivors to register as soon as possible. Those who may have registered with their county emergency management office, the American Red Cross or other community organizations are reminded to also register with FEMA. If you pre-registered with FEMA before the presidential disaster declaration for Hurricane Matthew, there is no need to register again. However, you should keep FEMA informed about any change in your address, telephone number or other contact information.

Disaster assistance may include grants to help homeowners and renters pay for temporary housing, essential home repairs, personal property replacement, and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

SBA offers low-interest disaster loans for businesses of all sizes, homeowners, renters, and certain private non-profit organizations. SBA disaster loans may cover repairs, rebuilding, as well as the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged real estate and personal property.

For more information about SBA loans, call SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (TTY: 800-877-8339), email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visit http://www.sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4283, twitter.com/femaregion4, facebook.com/FEMA, and fema.gov/blog, floridadisaster.org or #FLRecovers. For imagery, video, graphics and releases, see www.fema.gov/Hurricane-Matthew.

Original source – 

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Volusia County for Hurricane Matthew

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Survivors rebuilding their lives from Hurricane Hermine have 30 days left to register for federal disaster assistance. The storm caused widespread damage along Florida’s western coastline. The State of Florida, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) continue to support individual and family recovery efforts.

As of close of business Oct. 27, 2016, nearly $38 million in federal assistance has been provided to homeowners, renters and business owners in designated areas for Hurricane Hermine, including:

  • $27 million in flood insurance approved for policyholders under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
  • More than $5.5 million approved to help individuals and families recover from the disaster, including more than $4.5 million for housing assistance.
  • Nearly $5.4 million in SBA disaster loans to both individuals and businesses.

Individuals who have underinsured or uninsured damages or losses from Hurricane Hermine and who live in the eight eligible counties still have until Monday, Nov. 28, to register for FEMA assistance. The counties included in the federal disaster declaration are Citrus, Dixie, Hernando, Hillsborough, Leon, Levy, Pasco and Pinellas

Register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362, which is Video Relay Service (VRS) accessible. Survivors who are deaf, hard of hearing or who have difficulty speaking may call TTY 800-462-7585. Helpline hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, until further notice. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish).

Don’t wait to register. Applying for federal disaster assistance now may help if you still have unmet needs after receiving your insurance payment. While FEMA cannot duplicate assistance covered by insurance, you may still be eligible for assistance for losses not covered by insurance. FEMA grants do not have to be repaid, are nontaxable and do not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

Register with FEMA and, if asked, complete and return the SBA loan application. There is no charge to apply for the loan and no obligation to accept it if approved. SBA low-interest disaster loans can help homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations rebuild. Homeowners can receive loans of up to $200,000 to repair or replace their primary residences. Homeowners and renters may also borrow up to $40,000 to replace damaged or destroyed personal property including vehicles. Businesses and private nonprofit organizations can borrow up to $2,000,000 for disaster-related losses.

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery visit fema.gov/disaster/4280, twitter.com/FEMA, facebook.com/FEMA, and fema.gov/blog, floridadisaster.org or #FLRecovers.

Source: 

Hurricane Hermine Survivors: Assistance Still Available, 30 Days Left to Register for Federal Disaster Aid

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A Disaster Recovery Center has opened in Putnam County to help survivors affected by Hurricane Matthew. The center is located at:

                              Putnam County Fairgrounds

                              Building 1 – Expo Hall

                              118 Fairgrounds Rd.

                               East Palatka, FL 32131

                              Open Monday – Saturday

9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

                              Closed Sundays       

Disaster Recovery Centers serve as one-stop shops for eligible disaster survivors seeking

one-on-one help. Representatives from the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and various state agencies will be at the center to answer questions Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The center is closed on Sundays.

FDEM and FEMA officials continue to work closely with local officials in hard-hit areas to identify suitable sites for additional centers.

Downloading the FEMA App (available in English and Spanish) to their mobile device will allow survivors to:

  • Apply for disaster assistance
  • Get directions to the nearest Disaster Recovery Center by visiting DRC locator.
  • Get weather alerts
  • Subscribe to disaster safety tips

Many services available at disaster recovery centers are also available by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. Survivors with questions regarding the application or the appeals process, or who need to register for assistance, may visit online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone (voice, 711 or video relay service /VRS) at 800-621-3362. (TTY users should call 800-462-7585.) The toll-free lines are open

7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available (for Spanish press 2).

Survivors requiring a reasonable accommodation (ASL interpreting, Braille Large Print, etc.) while visiting a disaster recovery center may call the appropriate helpline number above to receive support.

FEMA encourages survivors to register as soon as possible.  Those who may have registered with their county emergency management office, the American Red Cross or other community organizations are reminded to also register with FEMA.

Disaster assistance may include grants to help homeowners and renters pay for temporary housing, essential home repairs, personal property replacement, and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

SBA offers low-interest disaster loans for businesses of all sizes, homeowners, renters, and private

non-profit organizations. SBA disaster loans may cover repairs, rebuilding, as well as the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged real estate and personal property.

For more information about SBA loans, call SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at

800-659-2955, email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visit http://www.sba.gov/disaster.  TTY users may call 800-877-8339. Applicants may also apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery, visit https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4283,

twitter.com/FEMAregion4, facebook.com/FEMA, and fema.gov/blog.

Source article – 

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Putnam County for Hurricane Matthew

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Specialists from FEMA will be available at The Home Depot in Ocala from October 27 through November 1, offering tips and techniques for lessening the impact of disaster-related property damage.

WHERE:     The Home Depot

3300 SW 35 Terrace.
Ocala, FL 34474

WHEN:        Thursday and Friday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

                    Monday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

                    Tuesday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

FEMA Mitigation specialists will be on hand to answer questions and offer home-improvement tips to reduce damage in future disasters. Information is geared to both homeowners and general contractors on topics such as flood proofing a home, how to elevate utilities and removing and replacing wet drywall.

FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program has a call center to answer policyholder questions, service claims, provide general information and offer technical assistance. To speak with a flood insurance specialist, call 800-621-3362 (FEMA) and select option 2. Hours are between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability using 711 or Video Relay Service, please call 866-377-4262. Affected residents using a TTY, please call 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available.
For more information on the Florida recovery, visit the disaster webpage for Hurricane Hermine at fema.gov/disaster/4280 or visit the Florida Division of Emergency Management website at floridadisaster.org Follow us on Twitter @femaregion4.

Excerpt from:

Advice for Survivors on Lessening Storm Damage in Marion County

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