Effective Date: June 11, 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 emergency 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 emergency notifications, respond to inquiries, and operate essential public information services.
Information We Collect
SMS / Text Message Notifications
When you opt in to receive CCEMA SMS notifications, we collect: your mobile telephone number, wireless carrier (if determinable), date and time of opt-in, and opt-in source. CCEMA does not intentionally collect sensitive personal information — such as medical, financial, or protected class data — through its SMS notification 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.
How We Use Your Information
Information collected by CCEMA is used solely for: sending emergency alerts and OPCON status notifications to SMS subscribers; responding to contact form inquiries; and improving website content and usability. We do not sell, rent, trade, or share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes.
SMS Messaging — Additional Disclosures
By opting in to CCEMA SMS notifications, you consent to receive text messages from Calhoun County Emergency Management Agency. Message frequency varies based on emergency activity. Message and data rates may apply.
- 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 ema@calhounema.com.
- 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.
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, request information about personal data we hold by emailing ema@calhounema.com, 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 emergency 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 ema@calhounema.com.
Contact
Calhoun County Emergency Management Agency
Director: David Chojnacki
Email: ema@calhounema.com
Changes to This Policy
This policy may be updated periodically. The effective date at the top of this page reflects the most recent revision.