Privacy Policy

Last updated: February 18, 2026

1. Overview

The Arundel Volunteer Fire Department ("AVFD") respects your privacy. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, and protect information when you use our website at www.arundelfire.com and our SMS messaging services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Website

When you visit our website, we may collect:

• Standard web server log data (IP address, browser type, pages visited)
• Information you voluntarily provide through forms (volunteer applications, CPR class registration, feedback, donations)

2.2 Member Portal

For authenticated members, we store account information necessary for department operations, including name, contact information, certifications, and training records.

2.3 SMS/Text Messaging

When you enroll in the AVFD Paging SMS program, we collect:

• Your mobile phone number
• Opt-in status and consent records (date and method of consent)
• Confirmation codes and timestamps
• Inbound SMS messages (keyword replies such as STOP, START, HELP)

3. How We Use Your Information

3.1 Website and Member Data

We use collected information to:

• Operate and improve the website
• Process volunteer applications and registrations
• Manage department operations and member records
• Communicate with members about department activities

3.2 SMS Data

Your phone number and SMS opt-in data are used solely for the purpose of sending you AVFD operational messages, including shift staffing requests, department alerts, and related notifications.

We do not sell, rent, loan, trade, lease, or otherwise transfer for profit any phone numbers or personal information collected through the SMS program to any third party.

We do not use SMS opt-in data or phone numbers for marketing or promotional purposes. Messages are limited to operational department communications.

4. Information Sharing

We do not sell or share your personal information with third parties for their marketing purposes. We may share information only in the following circumstances:

• Service providers: We use AWS (Amazon Web Services) to deliver SMS messages. Your phone number is transmitted to AWS solely for message delivery.
• Legal requirements: We may disclose information when required by law, court order, or governmental regulation.
• Safety: We may share information when we believe it is necessary to protect the safety of our members or the public.

5. Data Retention

Member account data is retained for as long as you are an active member and for a reasonable period thereafter for record-keeping purposes.

SMS opt-in records are retained while your paging enrollment is active. When you opt out (by replying STOP or disabling paging in the member portal), your opt-out preference is recorded and no further messages are sent. Phone numbers of opted-out members are retained only to honor the opt-out request.

6. Data Security

We implement reasonable security measures to protect your information, including encrypted connections (HTTPS), secure authentication for the member portal, and restricted access to member data. However, no method of electronic transmission or storage is completely secure.

7. Your Rights

You may:

• Opt out of SMS messages at any time by replying STOP
• Request information about the data we hold about you by contacting us
• Request correction or deletion of your personal information

8. Children's Privacy

This website and SMS program are not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us: