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Crisis Counseling Available to Massac, Tazewell County Tornado Survivors

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – While Massac and Tazewell county residents are working to recover following the Nov. 17 tornadoes, many of them also need to recover emotionally.

Free help is available for tornado survivors who feel mentally overwhelmed, exhausted or unable to cope.

The Illinois Strong Crisis Counselor Program is a FEMA funded initiative that provides emotional support, recovery education, recovery resource information and coping tips for Massac and Tazewell county survivors.

Services provided in this partnership include a toll-free hotline telephone number during these critical times.

Survivors in Massac and Tazewell counties who are emotionally affected shouldn’t hesitate to call crisis counseling representatives at 800-985-5990 or TTY 800-846-8517 for help. The number operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, until further notice.

Nov. 17 tornado survivors may overlook the signs of emotional stress while they work to rebuild their lives. While individuals respond to stress in different ways, emotional distress following disasters can make the recovery process more difficult.

For the latest information on Illinois’ recovery from the Nov. 17 storms, visit FEMA.gov/Disaster/4157. Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, facebook.com/fema and youtube.com/fema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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. Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

SBA is the federal government’s primary source of funding for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For information about SBA programs, applicants may call 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339).

FEMA News Desk: 217-522-2080

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Crisis Counseling Available to Massac, Tazewell County Tornado Survivors

Two Weeks Remain to Register for Federal Disaster Assistance

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – While nearly $12 million in federal disaster assistance has been approved for Nov. 17 Illinois tornado survivors, the deadline to register for help is approaching.

Survivors must register by Monday, Jan. 27 to be considered for federal disaster assistance.

No applications can be accepted after the deadline, but FEMA will continue to approve disaster assistance for eligible survivors who applied in time.

The FEMA helpline 800-621-FEMA (3362) will remain operational after Jan. 27 for survivors who have questions about the status of their applications or letters they may receive from FEMA.

FEMA continues working throughout Illinois to ensure survivors do not lose eligible grants. This includes:

Face-to-face help at the Disaster Recovery Center in East Peoria at the Festival of Lights Building and the Disaster Recovery Center in Brookport at the Brookport Library. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams providing one-to-one help in affected areas.
FEMA voluntary agency liaison specialists working with community- and faith-based organizations to identify and provide assistance to survivors.

Federal disaster assistance may be available for the following:

Temporary housing for homeowners and renters.
Home repairs.
Other serious disaster-related expenses for homeowners and renters not met by insurance or other assistance programs.
Low-interest disaster loans from the Small Business Administration that may cover losses for homeowners, renters and business owners not fully compensated by insurance.

Survivors can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or with a smartphone or tablet by visiting m.fema.gov. They can also register and get questions answered over the phone by calling FEMA’s helpline, 800-621-FEMA (3362) or visiting a Disaster Recovery Center to register and check the status of a FEMA application. Survivors who use a TTY can call 800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.

For the latest information on Illinois’ recovery from the Nov. 17 storms, visit FEMA.gov/Disaster/4157. Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, facebook.com/fema and youtube.com/fema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

FEMA News Desk: 217-522-2080

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Two Weeks Remain to Register for Federal Disaster Assistance

FEMA Help Continues After Registration Deadline

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.— FEMA says Nov. 17 tornado survivors have until Monday Jan. 27 to register for possible disaster assistance, but that doesn’t mean help is ending.

Survivors who register by Jan. 27 may continue to receive federal disaster assistance after this date. The following assistance may be available:

Temporary housing for homeowners and renters.
Home repairs.
Other serious disaster-related expenses for homeowners and renters not met by insurance or other assistance programs. This includes financial help for damaged cars and personal contents.
Low-interest disaster loans from the Small Business Administration that may cover losses for homeowners, renters and business owners not fully compensated by insurance.

Survivors with questions about their applications can continue calling FEMA’s helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362), 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, after Jan. 27.

Face-to-face help continues to be available at the Brookport Disaster Recovery Center at the Brookport Library on U.S. Highway 45 and the East Peoria Disaster Recovery Center at the Festival of Lights Building on East Washington Street in East Peoria. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Survivors can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-FEMA until Jan. 27.

FEMA News Desk: 217-522-2080

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FEMA Help Continues After Registration Deadline

FEMA Says Help Us Help You

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – If you’re a survivor of the Nov. 17 Illinois tornadoes, FEMA says you deserve every eligible penny in federal disaster assistance.

Don’t leave possible FEMA grants and SBA disaster loans on the table. Take the necessary steps to help FEMA help you.

Register with FEMA—deadline close: Disaster assistance may be available to tornado survivors who register with FEMA before the Jan. 27 deadline. The sooner you register the sooner you may qualify for FEMA assistance. Register at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-FEMA (3362). Help FEMA help you.

Only one registration per household: FEMA assists eligible survivors by household. The assistance process stops if multiple applications are received from the same address. Applying multiple times doesn’t increase your chances of receiving federal disaster aid. It stops your chances. Help FEMA help you. Register only once.

FEMA grants versus insurance benefits: After registering with FEMA for assistance, some applicants may receive a letter indicating FEMA can’t help. Read any FEMA letter closely. FEMA may need insurance settlement documents to assure FEMA grants won’t duplicate insurance payments. Help FEMA help you. Failure to submit needed documents could stop any additional assistance.

Fast track the SBA Loan Application: FEMA refers some applicants to the Small Business Administration to complete and submit an SBA loan application. You may not want a loan, but failure to submit the application may stop any further FEMA grants coming your way. Help FEMA help you. The quickest way to apply is to complete an SBA disaster loan application online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ela.

Get Your FEMA/SBA questions answered: Call the FEMA help line, 800-621-FEMA (3362) or for face-to-face help, visit a FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center – 2200 East Washington, East Peoria or the Brookport Library, 7415 S. U.S. Highway 45, Brookport.

Survivors can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or with a smartphone or tablet by visiting m.fema.gov. They can also register over the phone by calling FEMA’s helpline, 800-621-FEMA (3362). Survivors who use a TTY can call 800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.

FEMA News Desk: 217-522-2080

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FEMA Says Help Us Help You

Illinois Tornado Recovery News: Capsule of Illinois tornado recovery news for weekly newspapers

Springfield, Ill. – This capsule of recent disaster recovery information is provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Don’t let misinformation keep you from registering for disaster assistance.

Sometimes unexpected, uninsured expenses arise weeks or even months after a disaster. For example, you might identify additional damage to your home in the spring when temperatures rise and contractors are able to conduct a more comprehensive inspection. If your insurance settlement is delayed, you may qualify for temporary rental assistance if your home is uninhabitable. Or you may exhaust the additional living expenses provided by your insurance company. FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration disaster assistance may help cover some of these expenses.

Registering with FEMA is quick and easy. You should register even if you have insurance and regardless of your income level or the level of damage your home sustained. Register online at DisasterAssistance.gov, with a mobile device by using the FEMA app or going to m.fema.gov, or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362). People who are deaf or hard of hearing and use a TTY can call 800-462-7585.

SBA low-interest disaster loans are a major recovery funding source for Illinois.

If you apply for assistance with FEMA and are referred to the SBA, it’s important to submit a low-interest disaster loan application to assure that the federal disaster recovery process continues. You are not obligated to accept a loan, but failure to complete and submit the application may stop the FEMA grant process. Homeowners may be eligible for loans up to $200,000 for repairs. Homeowners and renters may be eligible to borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property. For businesses, loans are available up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster damaged real estate, and other business assets. Eligible small businesses and non-profits can apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster.

You can apply online at DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ela. For additional information about SBA low-interest disaster loans, contact the SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339, emailing DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov or visiting sba.gov/disaster.

Rental assistance is available if you have been displaced as a result of the storms.

If you are making repairs to or rebuilding your home, you may be eligible for assistance from FEMA to cover temporary rental expenses if your home is uninhabitable – but you must register with FEMA to be considered. Call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or visit a Disaster Recovery Center if you have questions or need help finding a rental property. You can also go Nestrent.com or IlHousingSearch.org to identify available rental properties.

FEMA decision letters are not the end of the line for disaster assistance.

After registering with FEMA, you will receive a letter explaining the status of your application. The letter may state that you’re ineligible for assistance, but this isn’t necessarily a final decision. It is important to read the entire letter carefully because it states exactly what needs to be submitted for potential federal assistance. If you have insurance, you must submit all of your insurance information for FEMA to review your eligibility. Sending your insurance declaration page is not sufficient. You need to submit actual insurance settlement information. If you are unsure of how to obtain this document, contact your insurance company, call the FEMA helpline (800-621-FEMA) or visit a Disaster Recovery Center. Insurance documents will be reviewed, then an inspector may arrange a visit to the damaged home or apartment to determine if there are uninsured, eligible losses. Federal disaster assistance may assist in covering some expenses not covered by insurance. You can appeal FEMA’s decision. Appeals must be filed within 60 days of the date of the determination letter. More information is available by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or by taking the letter to a Disaster Recovery Center. You can locate the nearest center by going to fema.gov/drclocator.

Help is available to repair damaged vehicles.

If you had a vehicle damaged or destroyed in one of the counties affected by the Nov. 17 Illinois tornadoes, you may be eligible for federal disaster assistance. Even if you are not a resident of one of the designated counties, you may still be eligible for this assistance if you were working or visiting one of the counties. You must register with FEMA to be considered for eligibility. In addition to FEMA assistance, homeowners and renters may be eligible to borrow up to $40,000 through SBA’s low-interest disaster loan program to repair or replace personal property, including automobiles damaged or destroyed in the disaster.

Illinois recovery photos and videos available

Visit fema.gov/disasters/4157 to access FEMA’s online library of photos and videos documenting response and recovery efforts to the Nov. 17 storms and tornadoes in Illinois. The page also includes updated information and important messages regarding Illinois’ recovery.

NEWS DESK: 217-522-2080

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Illinois Tornado Recovery News: Capsule of Illinois tornado recovery news for weekly newspapers

FEMA Applicant Letters Not End of Line

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois tornado survivors who registered for federal disaster assistance may receive letters from the Federal Emergency Management Agency that say they’re ineligible for help.

They can, however, turn what appears to be a ‘no’ into a ‘yes’.

Survivors can ask FEMA to review their application again if they appeal the agency’s decision within 60 days of receiving their letters.

FEMA cannot duplicate assistance that comes from insurance benefits or other government sources, but FEMA’s initial determination of ineligibility may change if private insurance or other government assistance is not enough to cover all the eligible damage.

It’s important for survivors to read their letters carefully because they provide explanations of what steps need to be taken to change the status of their request for assistance. Some of the reasons for an initial turn down can be easily remedied with more information such as:

Calling or writing to FEMA when a final insurance settlement is agreed upon.
Providing proof of ownership or residence, especially documents showing the damaged property was the primary residence at the time of the disaster.
Returning a completed Small Business Administration disaster loan application.
Signing essential documents.

Survivors can ask for another review to appeal the amount or type of help provided or any other decision about federal disaster assistance. Many issues can be resolved if applicants follow up with updated information or documentation.

When appealing, applicants should explain in writing why they disagree with a decision along with any new or additional documents supporting the appeal.

Appeal letters should include:

Federal disaster declaration number ‘4157-DR-IL’ on all pages of documents
Applicant information, including;
- Nine-digit FEMA application number on all pages of documents
- Name
- Date and place of birth
- Address of the damaged dwelling
Copies of verifiable documentation supporting the appeal. All receipts, bills and estimates must include contact information for the service provider. Applicants should keep all originals for their records.
A copy of a state-issued identification card, unless the letter is notarized or includes the following statement: “I hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true

and correct.”

The applicant’s signature.

Applicants may mail the appeal letter to:

FEMA

National Processing Service Center

P.O. Box 10055

Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055

Applicants may fax the appeal letter to:

800-827-8112

Attention: FEMA

It is important to have appeal letters postmarked within 60 days of the date on the decision letter.

If applicants have any questions about appealing, they should call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or

TTY 800-462-7585 or go to FEMA.gov/Help-After-Disaster.

For the latest information on Illinois’ recovery from the Nov. 17 storms, visit FEMA.gov/Disaster/4157. Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, facebook.com/fema and youtube.com/fema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

NEWS DESK: 217-522-2080

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FEMA Applicant Letters Not End of Line

Repair Tornado-Damaged Vehicles with Federal Help

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Anyone who had a car damaged or destroyed in counties affected by the Nov. 17 Illinois tornadoes may be eligible for Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster assistance.

Those who may be eligible include not just residents of the designated counties, but also those who were working or visiting in areas and had damage to their vehicle during the tornadoes.

Only those who maintain at least liability insurance will be considered to receive federal disaster assistance to repair or replace their car. Liability coverage is the minimum insurance requirement for Illinois drivers. Liability insurance policies do not cover storm-related damage to their car. Survivors who register must submit proof to FEMA that they maintain liability coverage to be considered for federal disaster assistance to repair or replace their car.
Survivors who have a comprehensive policy should first file a claim with their insurance company. Comprehensive policies usually pay for storm-related damages to a car. However, federal disaster assistance may help fill in the gaps for those whose comprehensive insurance coverage does not pay for any or all storm-related damage costs.
Survivors need to return a completed Small Business Administration disaster-loan application. After registering with FEMA, the SBA will contact many survivors concerning loan applications. It’s important for survivors to submit their application. Homeowners and renters may be eligible to borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property, including automobiles damaged or destroyed in the disaster.
FEMA grants to repair or replace a car must clear the SBA loan process. A survivor may receive a grant from FEMA to repair or replace their car if insurance is insufficient and they were declined for SBA loan home loan. Grants do not need to be repaid.
Keep documents. Federal disaster assistance is reimbursed to survivors only if their car had damage during the Nov. 17 tornadoes. Survivors must submit an itemized document that shows damage to the car is storm-related and a receipt, estimate or verifiable bill of the repair or replacement costs.

FEMA officials advise anyone whose vehicle was damaged during the tornadoes to register for assistance. Survivors in the following counties should register: Champaign, Douglas, Fayette, Grundy, Jasper, La Salle, Massac, Pope, Tazewell, Vermilion, Wabash, Washington, Wayne, Will and Woodford.

Register with FEMA online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585, or register with a smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

For additional information about SBA low-interest disaster loans, contact the SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or visiting sba.gov/disaster.

For the latest information on Illinois’ recovery from the Nov. 17 storms, visit FEMA.gov/Disaster/4157. Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, facebook.com/fema and youtube.com/fema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

SBA provides low-interest, long term disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes. For more information, visit SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster.

NEWS DESK: 217-522-2080

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Repair Tornado-Damaged Vehicles with Federal Help

Three Disaster Recovery Centers to Close

DENVER – Three Disaster Recovery Centers in Boulder, Larimer and Weld counties will close permanently at 3 p.m., MST, Saturday, Dec.14.

BOULDER COUNTY

Twin Peaks Mall

1250 S. Hover Rd.

Longmont, CO 80501

Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., MST

LARIMER COUNTY

Rocky Mountain Park Inn

Conference Center

101 S. St. Vrain Ave.

Estes Park, CO 80517

Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., MST

WELD COUNTY

Village Centre at the Landings

3613 23^rd Ave.

Evans, CO 80620

Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., MST

Those whose homes or businesses were affected by the September flooding can continue to get in-person help for U.S. Small Business Administration or FEMA questions at the Boulder Disaster Recovery Center (Boulder County).

BOULDER COUNTY

Premier Credit Union Building

5495 Arapahoe Ave.

Boulder, CO 80303

Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., MST; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., MST

DRCs are operated by the Colorado Office of Emergency Management and FEMA in partnership with the SBA, county and local governments.

After the centers close, disaster survivors can call FEMA at 800-621-3362 to have questions answered about their disaster assistance registration, check their application status, or update their insurance claim or contact information. A FEMA representative is available at the toll-free number from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m., MST, seven days a week.

Small businesses and most private nonprofits without physical losses have until June 16, 2014 to apply for Economic Injury Loans only.

Anyone with questions concerning a loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) or for information about SBA programs, go to sba.gov/disaster or call (800) 659-2955 (TTY 1-800-977-8339).

Small businesses and most private nonprofits without physical losses have until June 16, 2014 to apply for Economic Injury Loans only.

Multilingual phone operators are available on the FEMA Helpline. Choose Option 2 for Spanish and Option 3 for other languages. People who have a speech disability or are deaf or hard of hearing may call (TTY) 800-462-7585.

m.fema.gov in the browser.

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Three Disaster Recovery Centers to Close

FEMA Available in Diamond to Answer Questions

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency and village officials in Diamond have announced that residents affected by the Nov. 17 tornadoes can meet with disaster assistance specialists this week beginning at 8 a.m. Tuesday at the Diamond Village Hall.

Survivors can get questions answered about available federal disaster assistance programs, help with registration for assistance, and learn about other programs available from the Small Business Administration, state and local agencies and voluntary organizations. Residents must apply with FEMA even if they have already provided damage information to local officials, other agencies or organizations.

FEMA and SBA specialists are located at:

Diamond Village Hall

1750 Main Street

Diamond, IL 60416

Regular hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday and Friday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

The center will close Saturday, Dec. 13.

Individuals can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. If you use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS), call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CST seven days a week until further notice.

For the latest information on Illinois’ recovery from the Nov. 17 storms, visit FEMA.gov/Disaster/4157. Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, facebook.com/fema and youtube.com/fema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Media Contact: Don Jacks, 304-542-6258

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FEMA Available in Diamond to Answer Questions

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams Blanket Illinois’ Storm-Damaged Areas

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.—Federal Emergency Management Agency Disaster Survivor Assistance crews, or DSA crews, are now canvassing areas affected by the Nov. 17 Illinois tornadoes to provide information, identify immediate needs, give survivors an opportunity to register for disaster assistance, answer questions related to an individual’s FEMA application status, and provide referrals to other governmental and nongovernmental assistance providers.

Nearly 75 DSA crew members are visiting homes, businesses, organizations and high-traffic locations in affected areas. They also meet with local officials and community leaders to identify disaster-related issues and unmet needs.

“FEMA is sending teams directly to Illinois communities affected by this disaster to expedite the recovery process,” said Donald Keldsen, the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in Illinois. “This staff is equipped to register people on the spot, answer questions about federal assistance and provide referrals for additional help if it’s needed.”

While DSA crews are offering in-person service, it’s important that Illinois survivors remain vigilant about protecting their personal information. For example, residents should always ask for identification. Federal and state officials always have and official photo identification badge clearly visible. If someone represents themselves as a federal or state employee, but does not produce identification, ask to see it.

DSA crew members may offer residents the opportunity to use a tablet computer to register, or ask to enter information on their behalf. Illinois residents will not be required to share personal information unless they wish a DSA crew member to help them with an in-person registration or answer specific questions about their FEMA application status. Residents are reminded to ask for federal identification before providing personal information.

Disaster survivors in counties designated for FEMA assistance in Illinois can also register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by mobile device at m.fema.gov. If online or mobile access is unavailable, applicants should call the FEMA toll-free Helpline at
800-621-3362.

For the latest information on Illinois’ recovery from the Nov. 17 storms, visit FEMA.gov/Disaster/4157. Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, facebook.com/fema and youtube.com/fema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Media Contact: Don Jacks, 304-542-6258

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FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams Blanket Illinois’ Storm-Damaged Areas

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