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Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Special Advisory

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Guidance on Disaster Preparedness for Federal Firearms Licensees

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is committed to ensuring public safety by working directly, and through partnerships, to assist federal firearms licensees (FFLs) in complying with federal firearms laws and regulations. They should refer to ATF Publication 3317.7 in preparation for potential disasters, such as hurricanes, floods and tornadoes.

The National Weather Service has forecasted Hurricane Matthew as a major hurricane off the east coast of Florida, including much of the eastern Florida Peninsula and portions of west-central Florida before moving up into Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. A disaster preparedness plan should be established by FFLs to safeguard their businesses by protecting firearms, ammunition and required records. If necessary, FFLs should take precautionary steps by contacting their local ATF field office regarding the removal of firearms and ammunition inventory; ATF Forms 4473 and 3310.4; and acquisition and disposition records from the business premises to a safe location.

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