Privacy Policy

Lake of the Forest Emergency Alert System

Version 1.0.0Last Updated: September 1, 2025
Privacy & Data Protection

This Privacy Policy describes how the Lake of the Forest Emergency Alert System (“we,” “us,” or “our”) collects, uses, and protects your information when you participate in our emergency communication system. Your privacy and the security of your personal information are paramount to our community safety mission.

Information We Collect

Contact Information

  • • Phone numbers for emergency alert delivery
  • • Names (optional) for personalized communications
  • • Email addresses for system user accounts
  • • Group memberships for targeted alert distribution

Communication Data

  • • Message delivery status and timestamps
  • • Opt-in and opt-out preferences
  • • Response to STOP/START/HELP commands
  • • Error codes and delivery confirmations

System Information

  • • User account access logs for security
  • • System usage patterns for optimization
  • • Technical information for service delivery
How We Use Your Information

Emergency Communications

We use your contact information solely for delivering critical emergency alerts, safety notifications, and community security updates to protect residents of the Lake of the Forest community.

Specific Uses Include:

  • • Sending emergency alerts via SMS text messages
  • • Delivering safety notifications and community updates
  • • Managing opt-in and opt-out preferences
  • • Ensuring message delivery and system reliability
  • • Maintaining system security and preventing unauthorized access
  • • Analyzing system performance to improve emergency response
SMS Communications & TCPA Compliance

Consent and Opt-In

  • Express Consent: By providing your phone number, you expressly consent to receive emergency alerts via SMS
  • Emergency Exception: Emergency alerts may be sent even without prior consent when required for immediate safety
  • Opt-Out Rights: You may opt out at any time by texting STOP to any alert message
  • Help Information: Text HELP for assistance or contact information

Message Frequency & Charges

  • • Emergency alerts are sent only when necessary for community safety
  • • Message frequency varies based on emergency conditions
  • • Standard SMS charges may apply from your carrier
  • • No premium charges are applied by our system

Carrier Information

Compatible with all major carriers including Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, and other participating carriers. Carrier message and data rates may apply.

Data Sharing & Third Parties

Service Providers

  • Twilio: SMS delivery service provider for message transmission
  • Database Services: Secure hosting providers for data storage
  • Analytics: Service monitoring for system reliability and performance

Emergency Authorities

Contact information may be shared with law enforcement, fire departments, medical services, or other emergency response agencies when necessary for community safety and emergency response coordination.

No Commercial Use

We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information for commercial purposes. Your information is used exclusively for emergency communications and community safety.

Data Security & Protection

Security Measures

  • • Encrypted data transmission and storage
  • • Secure authentication for system access
  • • Regular security audits and monitoring
  • • Access controls limiting data access to authorized personnel
  • • Secure backup and recovery procedures

Data Retention

  • • Contact information retained while you remain a community member
  • • Message delivery logs retained for regulatory compliance and system optimization
  • • Data securely deleted upon request or when no longer needed
  • • Emergency records may be retained longer for regulatory compliance
Your Privacy Rights

Communication Preferences

  • Opt-Out: Text STOP to any message to stop receiving alerts
  • Opt-In: Text START to resume receiving emergency alerts
  • Help: Text HELP for assistance and contact information
  • Emergency Override: Critical safety alerts may be sent regardless of opt-out status

Data Access Rights

  • • Request access to your personal information in our system
  • • Request correction of inaccurate information
  • • Request deletion of your information (subject to emergency requirements)
  • • Contact us with privacy concerns or questions
Legal Compliance & Regulations

TCPA Compliance

Our emergency alert system complies with the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). Emergency communications are exempt from certain TCPA restrictions when necessary for immediate safety and security of life or property.

Emergency Communications Authority

This system operates under emergency communication authorities and may send critical safety alerts even to users who have opted out of general communications when required for immediate safety threats or emergency response coordination.

Data Protection Compliance

  • • Compliance with applicable state and federal privacy laws
  • • Adherence to emergency communication regulations
  • • Regular review of privacy practices and policies
  • • Cooperation with emergency authorities when legally required
SMS Service Terms & TCPA Compliance

Service Description

This SMS service provides emergency alerts and safety notifications to Lake of the Forest community members. Messages include emergency warnings, safety updates, and critical community information delivered via Twilio's messaging platform.

Consent and Opt-In

  • Express Written Consent: By providing your phone number, you expressly consent to receive emergency alerts via SMS
  • Emergency Exception: Critical emergency alerts may be sent without prior consent when required for immediate safety
  • Revocable Consent: You may withdraw consent at any time by texting STOP to any alert message
  • Confirmation: You will receive a confirmation message when opting in or out

Message Frequency & Charges

  • • Emergency alerts are sent only when necessary for community safety
  • • Message frequency varies based on emergency conditions (typically low volume)
  • • Standard SMS charges may apply from your mobile carrier
  • • No premium charges, subscription fees, or additional costs from our system
  • • Compatible with all major U.S. carriers including Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and others

Opt-Out Instructions

To stop messages: Reply STOP to any message
To resume alerts: Reply START to opt back in
For help: Reply HELP for assistance and contact information
Customer Support: Contact officemanager@lakeoftheforestkansas.com

Data Sharing & Third Parties

Service Providers

  • Twilio Inc.: SMS delivery service provider for message transmission and delivery tracking
  • Database Hosting: Secure cloud hosting providers for encrypted data storage
  • System Monitoring: Analytics services for system reliability and performance monitoring

Emergency Authorities

Contact information may be shared with law enforcement, fire departments, medical services, or other emergency response agencies when necessary for community safety and emergency response coordination. This sharing is limited to emergency situations and authorized personnel only.

No Commercial Use

We do not sell, rent, lease, or share your personal information for commercial marketing purposes. Your information is used exclusively for emergency communications and community safety operations.

Data Security & Protection

Security Measures

  • • End-to-end encrypted data transmission and storage
  • • Multi-factor authentication for administrative access
  • • Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
  • • Role-based access controls limiting data access to authorized personnel
  • • Secure backup and disaster recovery procedures
  • • Compliance with industry-standard security practices

Data Retention

  • • Contact information retained while you remain a community member or until opt-out
  • • Message delivery logs retained for 24 months for regulatory compliance and system optimization
  • • Personal data securely deleted upon valid request or when no longer needed
  • • Emergency communication records may be retained longer as required by law
Your Privacy Rights

Communication Preferences

  • Opt-Out: Text STOP to any message to stop receiving alerts
  • Opt-In: Text START to resume receiving emergency alerts
  • Help: Text HELP for assistance and contact information
  • Emergency Override: Critical safety alerts may be sent regardless of opt-out status when required for immediate danger

Data Access Rights

  • • Request access to your personal information in our system
  • • Request correction of inaccurate information
  • • Request deletion of your information (subject to emergency requirements)
  • • Receive a copy of your data in a portable format
  • • File complaints with relevant privacy authorities
Contact Us About Privacy

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, our data practices, or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us:

Lake of the Forest Emergency Alert System
Emergency Communications Department
Privacy Officer
Lake of the Forest Community Association
100 Lake Forest, Bonner Springs KS 66012
Email: officemanager@lakeoftheforestkansas.com
Phone: 913-424-6062
Emergency Alerts: officemanager@lakeoftheforestkansas.com
For immediate emergencies, always call 911. This system is for community notifications and non-urgent emergency communications. Do not use this contact information for emergency situations requiring immediate response.
Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, applicable laws, or service improvements. We will notify users of material changes through the emergency alert system, community website, or direct communication. Your continued participation in the emergency alert system after policy changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.