Washington, DC 20226

August 19, 2011

Open Letter to All Federal Explosives Licensees and Permittees

September 11th Anniversary

As you are aware, September 11, 2011, marks the 10th Anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. This is a significant event and much attention will be directed to this date throughout the world.

While the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has received no specific threat information associated with the anniversary to date, we encourage you to exercise increased awareness and vigilance as the anniversary approaches. The security of your explosives storage sites is very important, and you should heighten your security precautions in light of the anniversary.

Please review ATF P 5400.15, Safety and Security Information for Federal Explosives Licensees and Permittees, a publication that ATF produced with the Institute of Makers of Explosives and the International Society of Explosives Engineers. It can help identify potential security weaknesses and offer security precautions to prevent thefts and the illegal use of explosives.

If you spot any suspicious activity associated with explosives or explosives storage sites, please report it immediately to ATF by calling toll free at 1-888-ATF-BOMB or contacting your local ATF field office.

Should you have any questions regarding this notice or these recommendations, please contact your local ATF field office. Thank you for your continued cooperation and vigilance.

Signature of Arthur Herbert

Arthur Herbert
Assistant Director
Enforcement Programs and Services