THIS IS A PRODUCT OF THE

RESEARCH AND INFORMATION SUPPORT CENTER (RISC)

SPRING2016

TRAVELSECURITYFORM

TravelSecurityForm|OSAC.gov 2

ABOUT THIS FORM

MoreU.S.privatesectoremployees,students,andstaffaretravelingabroadthaneverbefore. At the same time, the overseas security landscape increasingly dynamic, with threats posed by terrorists, insurgents, and criminals, as well as non-human forces like natural disasters and diseases. The objective of this guide is toequip internationaltravelers with tactics and procedures t may reduce therisks inherent to overseas travel. It is our hope that the enclosedrecommendations will bothencourageindividuals to seek opportunities abroad andprovidegreatercomfortandconfidence t osetravelinginternationally.

We acknowledge that every destination is unique and that no oneresourcecan address all situations or scenarios. In response to that challenge,OSAC hascreated a form that can be customized depending on the destinationand needs of the traveler. The document can then be saved by the traveler,shared with his/her organization, and printed as an accompaniment (in case anelectronic copy is notaccessibleduringtravel).

DateofIssuance DateofExpiration

TRAVELER INFORMATION

Name:

Organization:

Position:

Nationality:

Passport information:

Country Number Validity DateofEntry

Emergency contact information:

Name Phone(1) Phone(2) Email

Table of Contents

AboutthisForm......................2

TravelerInformation............2

BeforeYouGo............................3

WhattoPack..............................4

Health&Wellbeing................5

SituationalAwareness..........6

TransportationSecurity......7

Hotels&Lodging.....................8

InformationSecurity.............9

IfYouAreaVictim...............10

IfYouAreDetained.............10

Notes...........................................11

♦ ♦♦

ABOUT OSAC

The Overseas Security AdvisoryCouncil (OSAC) promotessecurity cooperation betweenAmerican private sectorinterests worldwide and theU.S. Department of State. Theprivate sector is definedbroadly, to include businesses,NGOs, academic institutions,

faith-based organizations

DateofE

A A

Country Number

Visa information:

R

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BEFORE YOU GO Preparationforasafeandhealthytripabroadshouldbeginlongbeforeyouaretaxiingontherunway.Thereareanumber of free and publicly available resources that provide specific guidance on the places you plan to visit,includingconditionsthatmayaffectyoursecurity.Additionally,itmaybenefityoutoreaduponthevaluesandnormsofyourdestinationandlearnafewwordsandphrasesinthelocallanguage .

RESEARCH YOUR DESTINATIONS

Visitandbookmarkcountry-specificwebsitesforinformationonyourdestinationcountry.Theseinclude:o BureauofConsularAffairsCountryInformation,TravelWarnings,andTravelAlertso OSACCrimeandSafetyReportsandanalysio Travelbriefingsprovidedbyyouremployer/institutiono Localandregionalnewsandsocialmediareporting

Country/Post Resource We site

Consulttravel.state.govforinformationonvisasandimmigration;note: immigrationpoliciesmaybesubjecttochangeandyoushouldalwaysconferwiththeembassyofyourdestinationforthelatestguidance.

MAKE THE APPROPRIATE NOTIFICATIONS

RegisterwiththeStateDepartment'sSmartTravelerEnrollmentProgram(STEP).Leave travelitineraryandcontactinformationwithfamilyorfriends;donototherwisedisclose.

ConsideraPrivacyActwaiver.ThisprovideswrittenconsentthataU.S.ConsularOfficecanreleasepertinentinformationaboutyoutodesignatedindividualsintheeventofemergency.Also,makeacopyofyourwill.

Destination Currency (XXX) USD to Foreign Currency Foreign Currency to USD

1 USD = 1 = USD

1 USD = 1 = USD

1 USD = 1 = USD

Notifyyourcreditcardcompanyandbankofyourintenttotravel;confirmcreditlimitandavailability.

theft,thismayensurethatyourprimaryaccountsarenotcompromised.

PREPARE CONTINGENCIES

Review your organization’s communication policy and for checking in followinga major security development. You may consider multiple forms of communication(SMS, socialmedia,phonetrees,etc.),intheeventofoutages.

Ensure that your phone has international coverage and know what roaming fees may apply; depending on the length of your stay and the availability of international coverage, youmayconsiderbuyingalocalSIMcard.

Considersecuringanewcreditcardwithalowcreditlimitseparatefromexistingcreditcards;intheeventof

Understandthecurrencyexchangeratesinyourdestinationcountry(e.g.XE.com,OANDA.com):

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WHAT TO PACK Modern conveniences, like ATMs, GPS, and the Internet are invaluable resources in our everyday lives.Unfortunately, amenities such as these can be scarce or non-existent in a number of international contexts.Whether it is printing out contact lists, keeping a little cash on hand, or packing physical maps, you shouldconsidercontingencyplansthatarenotentirelyreliantontechnology.

TAKE PHYSICAL COPIES OF IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Printcopiesofimportdocumentsandinformationandkeepthemonyourperson/carry-on T :Passport Localcontactdetails

F U.S.-basedemployer/institutioncontact

Nearestembassy/consulateaddresses Destinationaddress

Getamapandstudyit.Identifypotentialhazardsandsafehavens;learnseveralroutestoplacesyouwillbestaying,living,and/orvisiting.

PACK LIGHT, BUT PREPARE FOR POSSIBLE CONTINGENCIES

Considerpackingyourownsmalltravelmedicinekit,whichmayinclude:

Anti-diarrhealmedication Gauze,bandages,andmedicaltape

Anti-malaria(ifapplicable) Insectrepellent(withDEET35)

Antihistamineanddecongestant Mosquitonet

Antacidandlaxative Razor/tweezers/manicurekit

Anti-bacterialhandwipes/sanitizer Sunscreenandaloe

Anti-fungal/hydrocortisonecream Thermometer

Takeanextrapairofeyeglasses;dependingonthedestination,contactlensescanbeproblematic.

Bring a backup charger for your electronic devices/mobile phones; note: some airlines and foreign customs authoritiesmaynotpermitlithiumionbatteriesincarry-ons.Depending on your destination, include a rubber door stop that can be wedged under your door to prevent entry.Thismaybeparticularlyhelpfulinaccommodationsthatlackphysicallocks.

P oneday’sworthofclothinginyourcarry-on,incaseyourcheckedbaggageisdelayedorlost.

Consider taking a modest amount of USD or local currency in various denominations. Although you donot want to make yourself a target by appearing wealthy, you should also avoid being entirely reliant on your debit or credit cards, as theymay not be universally accepted. Also remember that in some countries, worn, torn,orotherwisedefacedcurrencyisnotaccepted,evenifitwouldbebackhome;bringnew(er)bills.

UNDERSTAND LOCAL LAWS AND CULTURAL NORMS

If you are taking prescriptionmedications, carry yourmedications in their original labeledcontainers,andpacktheminyourcarry-onbaggagesincecheckedbaggage isoccasionallylostordelayed.

Packclothingthat isconsistentwith,andrespectfulof, localdress.Somecountries expect far more modest dress than the U.S.; some monuments and places of worshipmayrequirecertainpartsofthebodytobecovered.

Avoiditemsthatsignalyournationalityorpoliticalviews.

Consideraphysicalhealthexamanddentalcheckupifyouhavenothadonerecently.

Confirmthatyourhealthinsurancecoversforeignmedicalprovidersandmedicalevacuations.

ConsulttheCDCtodeterminewhatvaccinationsaresuggestedforyourdestination.

Visitatravelclinic,informthemofyourdestination(s),andgetanyneededinoculationsormedicines.

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HEALTH & WELLBEING Beforeyoutraveloverseas,understandthepotentialhealthandsafetyrisksyoucouldencounter.Recognizethatexpectationsofmedicalfacilitiesandlevelofcaremaydifferdrasticallyfromourownandpreparecontingenciesshouldyoubecomeseriouslyillorinjured.

PRE-TRAVEL CHECKUP AND VACCINATIONS

Vaccinations Vaccine Required Suggested Received

Identifyanyconcernsabout theairqualityofyourdestination,particularly if youhavepre-existinghealth conditions; note: while N95s and other filtering face-piece respirators, provideadditional protection,paperor“surgical”masksdonotactuallystrengthendefenses.

Recognize that water is not potable in every country; this includes ice and water for brushing teeth showering.Findoutwhetherornotyoushouldbedrinkingbottledwaterinyourdestination.

SEEKING MEDICAL ATTENTION ABROAD

Identifywhatmedicalprovidersexistanddeterminethelevelofcareorservicestheymaybeabletooffer. ThisinformationisoftenlistedonU.S.embassyandconsulatewebsitesandOSACCrimeandSafetyReports undertheheading“MedicalEmergencies.”

Hospital/clinic#1 Hospital/clinic#1 Hospital/clinic#1Address Address Address

Tel Tel Tel

Hospital/clinic#2 Hospital/clinic#2 Hospital/clinic#2Address Address Address

Tel Tel Tel

TRAVELING WITH PRESCRIPTIONS

Researchyourdestinationtoensurethattheprescriptionmedicinesyouaretaking arelegal.Ifso,bringaletterfromyourphysicianincaseyouarequestionedabout your carry-onmedication; some countries have strict restrictions about bringing prescriptionintothecountrywithoutproperdocumentation.

Packenoughmedicinetolastyourentiretrip,includingsomeextraincaseyouare unexpectedlydelayed.

Ask your pharmacist or physician for the generic equivalent name of your prescriptionsincaseyouneedtopurchaseadditionalmedicationsabroad.

D D D

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SITUATIONAL AWARENESS ocus on seeing and remembering everything around you and constantly be on the lookout for

situations thatareunusual or uncomfortable. This may seem challenging at first, but heightening yourawareness will get easier as with time, eventually becoming second nature. However, avoid becomingtoocomfortableorcomplacent–eventhemostveterantravelerscanbevictimswhentheylettheirguardsdown.

LEARN ABOUT WHERE YOU ARE HEADED AND WHAT IS ON THE HORIZON

Consult OSAC Crime and Safety Reports and note the Crime, Terrorism, and Political Violence ratings,where available;notethattheseratings evensafedestinationsmayexperienceincidents.

Country/Post Crime Terrorism Political Violence

Create bookmarks for local media websites and social media tags for pending events likeelections, demonstrations,andanniversariesthatcouldcausecivildisturbances.Monitortheseregularly.

H eachouttoOSACifyouhavequestionsorconcerns.

KEEP YOUR HEAD UP, EYES AND EARS OPEN, AND FOLLOW YOUR INTUITION

Trust your instinct; if a place does not feel right,move to an alternative location as quickly and safely as possible.Ifthatisnotanoption,findasecureareaandshelterinplace.

Behave in an unprovocativemanner that discourages unwanted attention and be attentive to how others perceiveyou;thisincludesminimizingdisplaysofwealth(e.g.jewelry).

Ifyouseeaprotestforming,leavethescene.Evendemonstrationsmeanttobepeacefulcanturnviolentwith littleornowarning.Ifyouarecurious(andyoushouldbe)readaboutitonlinefromasafelocation.

Ifyoucarryabagorpurse,holditclosetoyourbodyandawayfromthestreet.Individualshavebeenseverely injuredwhenthievesonmotorcycleshavedraggedthembytheirbagorpursestrap.

Carryappropriate identificationwithyouatall times; inmostcountries, it is recommendedthatyoucarrya copyofyourpassport/visaratherthantheoriginal.

Considerremovingnametags,insignia,orapparelthatwouldidentifyyouraffiliatio

Vary your patterns and routines. Do not become predictable. Similarly,watch for surveillanc f you seethesamepersonpayingattentiontoyoutwice,itmaynotbeacoincidence.

STRIKE A HEALTHY BALANCE BETWEEN COURTEOUS AND CAUTIOUS

Behavematurelyandinawaythatisrespectfuloflocalculturalnorms.

Politely decline offers of food or drink from strangers. If you do accept beverages,ensurethattheyareinsealedcontainersandthatthereisnoevidenceoftampering.

If you are invited to bars, restaurants, cafés, or tea shops, ask to see the price listbefore you partake. It may be much more difficult to dispute prices after goods orserviceshavealreadybeenrendered.

Be wary of strangers who have an unusual interest in spending time with you orlearning more about you. Foreign nationals naturally curious, but be wary

undueattentionoraffection.

Remaincalmintheeventofconfrontation;focusonde-escalationandescape

Avoidpublicexpressionsaboutlocalpolitics,religion,andothersensitivetopics.

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TRANSPORTATION SECURITY Travelmayposeanumberofchallengestotravelers.Dependingonthedestination,youmayhavetocontendwithdangerous road conditions; untrained or unlicensed drivers; drivers operating under the influence ofalcohol and narcotics; vehicles that are poorly maintained and therefore hazardous police checkpoints andcriminal roadblocks. Additionally, many places may different traffic laws, enforcement, infrastructure,

emergency assistance than you are accustomed to. Most OSAC Crime and Safety Reports providespecificinformation ontransportationsafety,butincludedbelowareafewbestpractices.

AIR TRAVEL

Staywithyourbagsatalltimesandpolitelyrefusetowatchorhandlethebags’ofother,howevertemporary.

Bemindfulofhowmuchpersonalorbusinessinformationyousharewithfellowpassengers .

Limitalcoholintakeinflightanddrinkplentyofwater;thismayhelpcounteractjetlag.

Considerpre-arrangingtransportfromtheairporttoyourhotel/accommodations.Incertainenvironments,itisadvisednottoexittheairportuntilyouhavearrangedsecuretransportation,asareasaroundairportsmayexperienceahighervolumeofcrime.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Understandtheindicatorsforofficial,licensedtaxisforyourdestination.

Priortoenteringataxi,notethelicenseplatenumberanddriver consider toafriendorcolleague.

Avoidgettingintoataxialreadyoccupiedbyothers.Ifnecessary,payextraforasinglefare.

Negotiateapricebeforegettingintoataxi.Havemoneyreadytopayinappropriatedenominations;notalltaxisacceptcreditcardsandsomedriversmaynotbeabletomakechangeforlargebills.Additionally,sometaxidriversoperateascaminwhichlargedenominationsarefraudulentlyexchanged.

Takeaseatonabusortrainthatallowsyoutoobservefellowpassengersbutdoesnotpreventyoufromchangingseatsifnecessary.

AS A DRIVER ABROAD

Checkwiththeembassyofthecountrywhereyouplantotraveltofindoutmoreaboutdriver’slicenseandcar insurance requirements.Many countries accept aU.S. driver’s license for a short-termvisit; however,theymayrequireanaccompanyingInternationalDrivingPermit(IDP)andproofofinsurance.

Use a common, indiscreet vehiclemodel. If you rent, removeasmanymarkings that identify vehicle as arentalaspossible.Neverleaveanythingexposedinsidethevehicle,regardlessofthevalueyouassigntoit.

Bealerttoscamartistsandcarjackers,andalwaysleaveapathforescapeatintersectionsandcrosswalks.

Parkina mannerthatexpeditesyourdeparture.

Carry a working cell phone, first aid kit, maps, flashlight, and official documents in your vehicle ote,however,thatusingacellphonewhileoperatingavehicleisgenerallyillegal.

Keepthevehiclewindowsrolledupandthedoorslocked;keepseat beltsfastened.

ConsultOSACCrimeandSafetyReportsfortheproperlocalproceduresshouldyoubeinvolvedinorwitnessatrafficaccident.Insomeloca ,stoppingforanaccidentcanputyourlifeatrisk.

Formoreinformation,seetheOSACReportDriving Overseas: Best Practices

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HOTELS & LODGING

Selectingtherighthoteliscritical,butnotemporaryaccommodationshouldbeviewedasacompletesafehaven.Hotels and guesthouses have historically been targeted by extremists; criminals may have the perception thattravelers stayingathotelsarewealthyandview themasprime targets. In somecontexts,hotels roomsmaybeunderconstantsurveillancebyforeignintelligenceagencies youshouldhavelimitedexpectationsofprivacy.

DETERMINING WHERE TO STAY

Use reputable hotels, hostels, or guesthouses; your safety is worth any added cost. OSAC may be abletodirect youtoaccommodationsusedbyothermembersoftheprivatesector.

Identifywhatsecurityprotocols(e.g.guards,bollards,metaldetectors)areinplace.

Note if there is an attached venue (e.g. restaurant) accessible to non-hotel patrons. See what safeguards separatethatvenuefromwhereyouarestaying.

Consider choosing a room on the third to fifth floors. These ooms may be more difficult to breakinto than thoseonthegroundlevel,butstillabletobeaccessedbyfire/emergencyresponseequipment.

Keep your room number to yourself. If your room key or key sleeve is numbered, keep it out ofsight. Ifahotel clerkannouncesyourroomnumberloudenoughforotherstohear,askforanewroom.

INSPECTING YOUR ROOM

Takeawalkaroundthehotelfacilitiestofamiliarizeyourselfwithyourenvironment.o Arehotelpersonnellocatedoneachfloor?o Aretheyinuniform?

o Dotheydisplayanyidentification?o Whoelsehasaccesstoyourfloor?

Ensurethattheroomphoneworksandthatyouknowhowtodialout, locallyandinternationally. Check

alllocks,includingdeadbolt,chainlock,windowlocks,andslidingdoors.

Inspecttheroomcarefully;lookunderthebed,intheshowers,andintheclosets.

Familiarizeyourselfwithhotelemergencyexitsandfireextinguishers;countthedoorsbetweenyourroomand nearestemergencyexit(incaseoffireorblackout).Rehearseyourescapeplan.

MEETING GUESTS AND ACQUAINTANCES

Do not bring strangers back to your room; there have been numerous reports of individuals waking upto find preciousvaluablesmissing.Considermeetinginaneutralspacelikethelobby.Ifyouarenotexpectingguestsorroomdelivery,checkwiththefrontdeskbeforeopeningthedoor.

Remindhotelstafftonotgiveoutyourroomnumber.

PRACTICING SECURITY WHILE YOU ARE OUT

Ifyouleavethehotel,carrythehotelbusinesscardwithyou;itmaycomeinhandywitha taxidriverwhodoesnotspeakyourlanguage.

Keep your laptop out of sight, in a safe, or in a locked suitcase. You may wish touse a laptopcablelocktosecureyourlaptoptoawindowframeorbathroomplumbing.

Considerleavinga"donotdisturb"signoutsideyourdoorandkeepingtheTV/radioon.

Donotleavesensitivedocumentsorvaluablesvisibleandunattendedintheroom.

Formoreguidanceonindicatorsofsafeaccommodations,seetheOSACReport:HotelSecurityWorkingGroup’sHotel Security and Safety Assessment Form

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TRAVELING WITH MOBILE TECHNOLOGY

Theprincipalrulewithofmobiletechnologyshouldbe: en in ou t, lea e it out.Eventheinformationyoumayconsiderroutineormundane(likecontacts,schedules,andcorrespondence)mayproveinvaluabletothreatactorsinterestedinyouoryourorganization.Ifyoumusttakemobiletechnology,maintainphysicalcontrolatalltimes.Despiteyourbestefforts,recognizethatdevicestakenoverseasmaybecompromisedandtaketheproperstepstosanitizethempriortoreconnectingtoyourpersonalorprofessionalnetworks.

BEFORE YOU GO

Findout ifyourorganizationhas loanerdevices for temporary travel; thiswill reducethe likelihoodofyourpersonaltechnologyandsensitiveinformationbeingcompromised.

Backupallimportantdataonyourdevice.

Wipeor sanitizeyourdeviceand restore factorysettings;note: if youuseapreviousbackup to restore thesettingsonyourdevices,youmayendupreloadingtheproprietaryinformationyoujustdeleted.

Updatesoftware,anti-virus,andapplications;thiswillhelppatchanybugsorvulnerabilities.

Enablescreenlock/timeout;unlockedorunattendeddevicescanbecompromisedinamatterofminutes.

Consideropeninganewemail account foruseduringyour trip. Thismaynotonly limit the compromiseofexistingaccounts,butmaybeusefulinlocationswherecertainwebmailservices(e.g.Gmail)areblocked.

Strengthen online passwords; youmay also consider diversifying your passwords so that if one account iscompromised,thebreachwillnotextendtoyourotheraccounts.

D BluetoothandGPS.

Ifyoumusttakesensitiveinformation,makesureyouencryptit.

Check your social media posts and delete any information about your itinerary and the details of yourupcomingtrip;yourfriendsmightlikethem,butopportunisticcriminalsmayappreciatethemevenmore.

Lea e non-essential e ices at ome.

WHILE ABROAD

Carryyourdeviceinasecurebutinconspicuoussleeveorcase.

Clearyourtemporaryfiles,includingyourbrowserhistory,caches,andcookiesaftereachuse.

Donotleaveyourelectronicdevicesunattended.

Donotuselocalcomputerstoconnecttoyourorganization'ssecurenetwork.

AvoidpublicWi-Finetworks.IfyoumustuseWi-Fi,terminateconnectionsimmediatelyafteruse.

Disablefilesharinganddonotconnecttounknowndevices.

Donotdownloadappsunlessabsolutelynecessary;executablefilescanleadtotheinstallationofmalware.

Neveruse“rememberme”forpasswords.

• Donotclicklinksintextoremailmessages.MostwebbrowserswillallowyoutorolloverhyperlinkedtexttoseetheactualdestinationoftheURL.

UPON RETURN

Avoidimmediatelyconnectingdevicetopersonalorbusinessnetworks.

ScandevicesformalwareindependentlyorwiththehelpofyourITdepartment.

Changeallpasswords.

Formore,seetheOSACReport Traveling wit Mobile Security Devices: Trends & Best Practices

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IF YOU BECOME A VICTIM

Despiteyourbesteffortstoreduceexposuretorisksandavoidthreats,youmaystillbecomethevictimofacrimeor critical event. The police/emergency response may vary drastically depending on your destination soberesourcefulandconsidermultiple forrecourse.

Rememberthelocalemergencynumber(yourdestination’s911equivalent)beforeeventsoccur.A ote the non-emergency police number/tourism police mergency switchboards may beovertaxed and numbers prove helpful for reporting crimes and requesting support innon-lifethreateningsituations.

Location e ui alent Ot er (Police/Fire/Am ulance) Non-emergency

Contactthelocalpolicetoreporttheincidentandgetimmediatehelp.Requestacopyofthepolicereport.

Review OSAC Crime and Safety Reports for your destination. More information canbe foundunder the headings“PoliceResponse,”“IfYouBecomeaVictim,”and“MedicalEmergencies.”

Consult Consular Affairs Country Specific Information for the country you are in. Moreinformation can be foundunderthe“VictimsofCrime”headinginthe“Safety&Security”section.

If you are a U.S. citizen, consult the website for the nearest embassy or consulate and visit the American Citizens Services section. Consular officers are available for emergency assistance 24hours/day,7days/week. IfyouarenotaU.S.citizen,con yourrespectiveembassyorconsulate.

In the event of a situation that requires urgent attention, the OSAC Duty Officercan also bereached 24 hours/day,7days/weekat202-309-5056.

IF YOU ARE DETAINED

Rememberthatwhiletraveling,youaresubjecttothelocallawsevenifyouareaU.S.citizen.Foreignlawsandlegalsystemcanbevastlydifferentfromourownanditisveryimportantt whatislegalandwhatisnot.Ifyoubreaklocallawswhileabroad,aU.S.passportwillnothelpyouavoidarrestorprosecution,andtheU.S.Embassycannotgetyououtofjail.Embassiesandconsulatesmay,however,beableto:

• Replaceastolenpassport

• Contactfamily,friends,oremployers

• Obtainappropriatemedicalcare

• Addressemergencyneedsthatariseasaresultofthecrime

• Explainthelocalcriminaljusticeprocess

• Obtaininformationaboutyourcase

• ConnectyoutolocalandU.S.-basedresourcestoassistvictimsofcrime

• ObtaininformationaboutanylocalandU.S.victimcompensationprogramsavailable

• ProvidealistoflocallawyerswhospeakEnglish

Formoreinformation,consultthewebsiteforthenearestembassyorconsulateandvisittheAmericanCitizensServicessection.

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NOTES