Effective Date: July 8, 2026
Agency: Calhoun County Emergency Management Agency (CCEMA)
Website: calhounema.com
Overview
The Calhoun County Emergency Management Agency (CCEMA) is committed to protecting the privacy of individuals who interact with our website and subscribe to our notification services. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and your rights regarding that information. CCEMA collects only the information necessary to provide notifications, respond to inquiries, and operate essential public information services.
Information We Collect
Notification Enrollment (Email and/or SMS)
CCEMA offers notification enrollment by email, SMS text message, or both. When you enroll, we collect your name, agency/organization, email address, and your selected delivery method(s). If you select SMS text message delivery, we additionally collect your mobile telephone number, wireless carrier (if determinable), your SMS consent, and the date, time, and source of opt-in. Email-only enrollment does not require a mobile telephone number or SMS consent. CCEMA does not intentionally collect sensitive personal information — such as medical, financial, or protected class data — through its notification enrollment system. If you include such information in a reply message, it will not be retained or used for any purpose.
Website Contact Form
When you submit a message through our contact form, we collect your name, email address, and the content of your message.
Website Analytics
We use Google Analytics 4 to collect anonymous, aggregated data about website traffic. This data does not identify you personally. Google Analytics data is used in aggregate form and does not identify individual users. Users may opt out of analytics tracking through browser settings or Google’s opt-out tools.
Vulnerable Needs Registry
CCEMA maintains a Vulnerable Needs Registry to identify residents who may need extra assistance during an emergency. Residents may register online through our website, or by completing a paper form — including forms completed with the assistance of a community paramedic, EMS staff, Council on Aging staff, a caregiver, or a family member. Registry information includes contact details, emergency contacts, and information about medical, mobility, and access needs necessary for emergency planning and response. Registration is voluntary.
How We Use Your Information
Information collected by CCEMA is used solely for: sending OPCON status notifications and operational alerts to SMS subscribers; responding to contact form inquiries; and improving website content and usability. Vulnerable Needs Registry information is shared only with Calhoun County 911 Dispatch, Fire & EMS, the Sheriff’s Office, St. Matthews PD and Town of Cameron PD (if applicable), CCEMA staff, and (during state-declared emergencies) the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD), solely for emergency planning and response. We do not sell, rent, trade, or share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes.
SMS Messaging — Additional Disclosures
The following disclosures apply only to subscribers who select SMS text message delivery; they do not apply to email-only enrollment. By opting in to CCEMA SMS notifications, you consent to receive text messages from Calhoun County Emergency Management Agency. Message frequency varies. Expect up to 6 messages per week during active operations. Message and data rates may apply. Mobile opt-in data and consent information will not be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes.
- To opt out: Reply STOP at any time. You will receive a confirmation message and no further messages will be sent.
- To get help: Reply HELP or contact us at [email protected].
- Your mobile number will not be shared with third parties for marketing purposes.
- Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.
Data Retention
SMS subscriber data is retained only as long as you remain an active subscriber. Upon opt-out, your number is removed from active distribution lists. Contact form submissions are retained in accordance with South Carolina public records requirements and applicable county retention schedules.
Paper Vulnerable Needs Registry forms — including those completed by a community paramedic, EMS staff, Council on Aging staff, or CCEMA staff on a resident’s behalf — are entered into CCEMA’s secure online registry system by CCEMA staff. The original paper forms are then stored in a secure, access-controlled location at the CCEMA office (201 Mill St., Saint Matthews, SC), accessible only to CCEMA staff, and are retained and ultimately destroyed in accordance with South Carolina public records requirements and applicable county retention schedules.
Security
CCEMA implements reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect collected information against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.
Third-Party Services
CCEMA uses the following third-party services: Google Analytics 4 (anonymous website traffic analysis), Cloudflare (web security and Turnstile anti-spam), and SMS delivery providers for routing and delivering text messages to subscribers.
Your Rights
You have the right to opt out of SMS notifications at any time by replying STOP, opt out of email notifications at any time by emailing [email protected] to request removal, request information about personal data we hold by emailing [email protected], and request correction or deletion of your personal information subject to applicable law.
Government Disclosure
As a government agency, CCEMA may be required to disclose records in response to lawful requests under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or court order. Certain information, including personal contact information, may be exempt from disclosure under applicable law.
Children’s Privacy
CCEMA does not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. Our services are intended for general public use and public communication purposes.
Accessibility
CCEMA is committed to providing accessible public information. If you require information in an alternative format or need assistance accessing website content, please contact the agency at [email protected].
Contact
Calhoun County Emergency Management Agency
Director: David Chojnacki
Email: [email protected]
Changes to This Policy
This policy may be updated periodically. The effective date at the top of this page reflects the most recent revision.