BE AWARE FOR AMERICA…..
All of us are concerned about the intentional, criminal misuse of explosives or firearms. We also believe we can
play a role in preventing such abuse in the future. So, we’re joining forces to help protect these products from
falling into the hands of those with criminal intent. Here are a few steps you can take to help make the effort a
success.
AWARENESS AND ACTION.
OUR MOST EFFECTIVE BLEND.
The first step to take is protect your products. Make your own place of business or residence a secure site for
storage and distribution of explosive products and firearms. If you sell black powder a Federal license is required,
but generally no record of distribution is required. Consider on a voluntary basis maintaining records of transactions
including the individual’s driver’s license information. Smokeless powder generally requires no Federal license or
permit, and there are no recordkeeping requirements. However, keep in mind smokeless powder is the explosives
material most often used in pipe bombs and other explosive improvised devices. A few questions as to how the
powder will be used may deter someone with ill-intent. Also, if you have a personal collection of firearms, or a
personal use quantity of explosive materials secure these items in a safe manner.
Maintain a record including serial
numbers of all firearms you possess for purposes of reporting stolen firearms to law enforcement.
Now for step two – know your customers.
MAKE THE RIGHT CALL.
Nobody knows your customers or other hobbyists and their needs like you do. You can use this knowledge to help
protect against the criminal misuse of explosive materials including smokeless powder.
In your conversations you
may be able to tell if something’s not quite right with someone’s request to obtain explosives – be it the quantity
they ask for; their lack of knowledge of the products; or their impatient, nervous, agitated manner.
If something doesn’t seem quite right, wait until the person has left. Jot down as much information as possible.
Then call the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) at the toll-free number indicated below.
Don’t doubt your instincts or second guess yourself. If something gives you pause, in even a small way, call the
number. ATF and local law enforcement agencies will conduct a discreet investigation right away.
Any information you give will remain confidential, including your name and address. Your swift action just might
protect lives, property, and our individual freedom.
BECAUSE YOU CARE. STAY AWARE.
Look for these signs that something may be amiss.
Ø Stranger - Unfamiliar to area or to you.
Ø Doesn’t want product suggested - Insists on taking specific product but has no knowledge of its use.
Ø Hesitates/hedges when asked for information - Name address, signature, photo ID, etc.
Ø Acts nervous - Avoids eye contact. Seems jittery, uneasy, vague.
Ø Pays in cash - Won’t write a check or use credit. Has no account with you
or other businesses in the area.
If someone seems out of place, jot down some notes on a piece of paper:
ü Note their physical appearance
ü Note the make, model, and color of their vehicle
ü Note the license plate number
ü Save any paper on which they may have written a name or address; minimize handling to help preserve for
fingerprints.
Then make the call. 1 800 800 3855. Be aware for America.
http://www.atf.gov/firearms/070704openltrattachment.pdf
All of us are concerned about the intentional, criminal misuse of explosives or firearms. We also believe we can
play a role in preventing such abuse in the future. So, we’re joining forces to help protect these products from
falling into the hands of those with criminal intent. Here are a few steps you can take to help make the effort a
success.
AWARENESS AND ACTION.
OUR MOST EFFECTIVE BLEND.
The first step to take is protect your products. Make your own place of business or residence a secure site for
storage and distribution of explosive products and firearms. If you sell black powder a Federal license is required,
but generally no record of distribution is required. Consider on a voluntary basis maintaining records of transactions
including the individual’s driver’s license information. Smokeless powder generally requires no Federal license or
permit, and there are no recordkeeping requirements. However, keep in mind smokeless powder is the explosives
material most often used in pipe bombs and other explosive improvised devices. A few questions as to how the
powder will be used may deter someone with ill-intent. Also, if you have a personal collection of firearms, or a
personal use quantity of explosive materials secure these items in a safe manner.
Maintain a record including serial
numbers of all firearms you possess for purposes of reporting stolen firearms to law enforcement.
Now for step two – know your customers.
MAKE THE RIGHT CALL.
Nobody knows your customers or other hobbyists and their needs like you do. You can use this knowledge to help
protect against the criminal misuse of explosive materials including smokeless powder.
In your conversations you
may be able to tell if something’s not quite right with someone’s request to obtain explosives – be it the quantity
they ask for; their lack of knowledge of the products; or their impatient, nervous, agitated manner.
If something doesn’t seem quite right, wait until the person has left. Jot down as much information as possible.
Then call the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) at the toll-free number indicated below.
Don’t doubt your instincts or second guess yourself. If something gives you pause, in even a small way, call the
number. ATF and local law enforcement agencies will conduct a discreet investigation right away.
Any information you give will remain confidential, including your name and address. Your swift action just might
protect lives, property, and our individual freedom.
BECAUSE YOU CARE. STAY AWARE.
Look for these signs that something may be amiss.
Ø Stranger - Unfamiliar to area or to you.
Ø Doesn’t want product suggested - Insists on taking specific product but has no knowledge of its use.
Ø Hesitates/hedges when asked for information - Name address, signature, photo ID, etc.
Ø Acts nervous - Avoids eye contact. Seems jittery, uneasy, vague.
Ø Pays in cash - Won’t write a check or use credit. Has no account with you
or other businesses in the area.
If someone seems out of place, jot down some notes on a piece of paper:
ü Note their physical appearance
ü Note the make, model, and color of their vehicle
ü Note the license plate number
ü Save any paper on which they may have written a name or address; minimize handling to help preserve for
fingerprints.
Then make the call. 1 800 800 3855. Be aware for America.
http://www.atf.gov/firearms/070704openltrattachment.pdf
