Privacy Policy

Mereta Volunteer Fire Department
Effective Date: December 30, 2025

The Mereta Volunteer Fire Department (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website (meretavfd.org), submit forms, contact us via email, or otherwise interact with us.

We may update this policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

Information We Collect

We collect information you voluntarily provide to us, such as:

  • Personal details: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address, or other contact information when you submit a contact form, inquire about volunteering, request information, or communicate with us.
  • Message content: Any details included in your messages or form submissions (e.g., regarding volunteer onboarding, donations, or department support).
  • Donation-related information: If we process donations through the website or related forms in the future, this may include payment details (though payments are typically handled by secure third-party processors).

We do not automatically collect personal information through cookies, analytics tools, or tracking technologies unless explicitly implemented in the future. Currently, our website does not use such tools.

We may also collect non-personal information, such as browser type, IP address, or device information, through standard server logs for site maintenance and security purposes.

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect solely to:

  • Respond to your inquiries or requests.
  • Support department operations, including volunteer recruitment and onboarding, event coordination, or community outreach.
  • Process and acknowledge donations (if applicable).
  • Comply with legal obligations or protect our rights and safety.

We do not use your information for marketing purposes beyond occasional department updates related to your inquiry, and only with your consent where required.

Sharing Your Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information with third parties.

We may share information only in limited circumstances:

  • With service providers who assist us in operating the website or department (e.g., email hosting providers), bound by confidentiality obligations.
  • As required by law, such as in response to a subpoena, court order, or government request.
  • To protect the rights, property, or safety of the department, our volunteers, or the public.

If we add features like online donations, we may share necessary information with trusted payment processors, who maintain their own privacy policies.

Data Security

We take reasonable measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, loss, or misuse. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is completely secure. We strive to use appropriate safeguards consistent with the sensitivity of the information.

Your Choices and Rights

  • You may request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal information by contacting us (see below).
  • You can opt out of receiving communications from us at any time by following unsubscribe instructions or contacting us directly.

Depending on your location, you may have additional rights under applicable privacy laws.

Children’s Privacy

Our website is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we learn we have collected such information, we will delete it promptly.

Our website may contain links to external sites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites. We encourage you to review their policies.

Contact Us

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

Mereta Volunteer Fire Department
meretavfd@gmail.com

This policy applies only to information collected through our website and related activities. Thank you for supporting the Mereta Volunteer Fire Department.