Special Advisory

WASHINGTON – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is committed to ensuring public safety by working directly and through partnerships to assist federal firearms licensees and federal explosives licensees and permittees in complying with federal laws and regulations.

The National Hurricane Center has forecasted Hurricane Ian as a major hurricane with life-threatening storm surge and dangerous winds along the western coast of Florida. While it is still too early to determine what other impacts Hurricane Ian may have, the NHC also advises that those living in hurricane-prone areas ensure they have their hurricane plan in place and executed if necessary. Visit https://www.fema.gov for up-to-date resources and information on the federal response to Hurricane Ian.

A disaster preparedness plan should be established by all FFLs and FEL/FEPs to safeguard their businesses by protecting explosives, firearms, and required records. If necessary, licensees and permittees should take precautionary steps by contacting their local ATF field office regarding the relocation of explosives magazines and records from business premises to a safe location; or the removal of firearms and ammunition inventory, ATF Forms 4473 and 3310.4, and acquisition and disposition records from business premises to a safe location.

For more information in preparation for potential disasters, such as hurricanes, floods and tornados, explosives licensees and permittees should refer to ATF Publication 5400.16 while firearms licensees should refer to ATF Publication 3317.7.

ATF is the lead federal law enforcement agency with jurisdiction involving regulating the firearms and explosives industries. More information about ATF, including local office contact information, is available at www.atf.gov.