diff --git a/src/node/hooks/express.js b/src/node/hooks/express.js
index 17910e4b2..48dcf56cb 100644
--- a/src/node/hooks/express.js
+++ b/src/node/hooks/express.js
@@ -25,6 +25,10 @@ exports.createServer = function () {
   else{
     console.warn("Admin username and password not set in settings.json.  To access admin please uncomment and edit 'users' in settings.json");
   }
+  var env = process.env.NODE_ENV || 'development';
+  if(env !== 'production'){
+    console.warn("Etherpad is running in Development mode.  This mode is slower for users and less secure than production mode.  You should set the NODE_ENV environment variable to production by using: export NODE_ENV=production");
+  }
 }
 
 exports.restartServer = function () {